3 ways to guard the genuine gospel and not be deceived by those who distort the gospel
I. Be Warned to Not Desert the Exclusive Genuine Gospel
A. Called by the grace of Christ
Galatians 1:6 - I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel…
2 Timothy 1:8-9 - Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity…
B. Guard against distortions of the gospel
Galatians 1:7 - …which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
C. Discern the messengers by the message
Galatians 1:8-9 - But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
II. Consider the Motivation for the Gospel
A. Recognize the temptation to please man
Galatians 1:10 - For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men?
Galatians 6:12-15 - Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh. But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
B. Remember you are a bond servant of Christ
Galatians 1:10 - …If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Romans 1:16-17 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”
III. Remember the Origin of the Gospel
A. The authority of God’s revelation
Galatians 1:11-12 - For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:20-21 - But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
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