The churches of Christ in the New Testament 7 of 17

“church in Galatia”Galatians 1:6-10Galatians 1:6-10Acts 13:51-14:7Acts 13:51-14:7

Don R. Taaffe,Gospel preacher,Dunedin, Florida

11/22/2009

• Galatians 1:6-10Galatians 1:6-106 I am astonished that you are so quickly 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly

deserting the one who called you in the deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a grace of Christ and are turning to a

different gospel — 7 not that there is different gospel — 7 not that there is another gospel, but there are some who another gospel, but there are some who

are confusing you and want to pervert the are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an

angel from heaven should proclaim to you angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! 9 As we have you, let that one be accursed! 9 As we have

said before, so now I repeat, if anyone said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed! 10 you received, let that one be accursed! 10

Am I now seeking human approval, or Am I now seeking human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I people? If I were still pleasing people, I

would not be a servant of Christ.would not be a servant of Christ. (NRSV) (NRSV)

• Acts 13:51-14:7Acts 13:51-14:751 So they shook the dust off their feet in protest 51 So they shook the dust off their feet in protest

against them, and went to Iconium. 52 And the against them, and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. 1 The same thing occurred in Iconium, where Paul and 1 The same thing occurred in Iconium, where Paul and

Barnabas went into the Jewish synagogue and spoke Barnabas went into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and in such a way that a great number of both Jews and

Greeks became believers. 2 But the unbelieving Jews Greeks became believers. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds

against the brothers. 3 So they remained for a long against the brothers. 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who testified to time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who testified to

the word of his grace by granting signs and wonders the word of his grace by granting signs and wonders to be done through them. 4 But the residents of the to be done through them. 4 But the residents of the

city were divided; some sided with the Jews, and city were divided; some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. 5 And when an attempt was some with the apostles. 5 And when an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to

mistreat them and to stone them, 6 the apostles mistreat them and to stone them, 6 the apostles learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of

Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country; 7 and there Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country; 7 and there they continued proclaiming the good news. they continued proclaiming the good news. (NRSV)(NRSV)

churches of Christ in the New Testament – 17 Lessons

• Origin of Lord’s churchOrigin of Lord’s church• The church in AntiochThe church in Antioch• The church in ColosseThe church in Colosse• The church in CorinthThe church in Corinth• The church in CreteThe church in Crete• The church in EphesusThe church in Ephesus• The church in GalatiaThe church in Galatia• The church in

Jerusalem• The church in Laodicea

• The church in Pergamum• The church in Philadelphia• The church in Philippi• The church in Rome• The church in Sardis• The church in Smyrna• The church in

Thessalonica• The church in Thyatira• The church in Dunedin?

The Region of The Region of GalatiaGalatia

• ““Galatia” was a name used both geographicallyGalatia” was a name used both geographically and politically in the first century after Christ - ISBE and politically in the first century after Christ - ISBE • “ “Geographically,” it was used to describe theGeographically,” it was used to describe the northern part of central plateau of Asia minor - ISBE northern part of central plateau of Asia minor - ISBE • “ “Politically,” it designated a large province of thePolitically,” it designated a large province of the Roman empire, included parts of Pontus, PhrygiaRoman empire, included parts of Pontus, Phrygia and Lycaonia, i.e., more southern regions of centraland Lycaonia, i.e., more southern regions of central Asia Minor - ISBE Asia Minor - ISBE • Both Peter and Paul most likely had reference toBoth Peter and Paul most likely had reference to “ “politically,” (a Roman province of Galatia politically,” (a Roman province of Galatia 35 B.C.)35 B.C.)

The Region of The Region of GalatiaGalatia

• Four churches of Galatia according to Luke: Derbe, Four churches of Galatia according to Luke: Derbe, Lystra, Tarus, and Iconium. (Maybe “Antioch”)Lystra, Tarus, and Iconium. (Maybe “Antioch”)• About 278 years before Christ, the Gauls (Galatia inAbout 278 years before Christ, the Gauls (Galatia in Greek) came from Europe, an took power in whatGreek) came from Europe, an took power in what became known as Galatia.became known as Galatia.• They were very aristocracy, clung stubbornly toThey were very aristocracy, clung stubbornly to their own Celtic religions, tongue, were proud, eventheir own Celtic religions, tongue, were proud, even boastful, and independent.boastful, and independent.• These new churches started quickly, unlikely they These new churches started quickly, unlikely they were Gauls.were Gauls.

Acts 13:6 – 20:38Acts 13:6 – 20:38

\Pisidia

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCHES IN GALATIACHURCHES IN GALATIA

•Under the leading of the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Paul had been separated for the work of evangelizing new territories by the congregations of the Lord at Antioch Syria ( Acts 13:1Acts 13:1) •During their first missionary journey (45-47 A.D.), Paul and Barnabas had the opportunity to establish several churches in the Roman province of Galatia (Acts 13:14-14:23Acts 13:14-14:23)•On Paul's second trip (51-54 A.D.), he and Silas visited them again – ( (Acts 16:1-5Acts 16:1-5))•On Paul's third trip (54-58 A.D.), he visited them yet again (Acts 18:23Acts 18:23))

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCHES IN GALATIACHURCHES IN GALATIA

• It is quite likely that the churches of Galatia included those established on his first journey, E.g., Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Tarsus, (Acts Acts 16:1-616:1-6))•Paul’s reception Iconium it was no less exciting and tumultuous. (Acts 14:1-7Acts 14:1-7)•In Lystra, they were met by a man crippled from birth, healed through Paul by the Holy Spirit, and had to reject being worshiped – (Acts 14:8-15Acts 14:8-15)

PROBLEMS IN PARADISE OR PROBLEMS IN PARADISE OR IN CHURCHES OF GALATIA IN CHURCHES OF GALATIA

•The presence of Judaizers in the church:•Paul opens his Epistle with a strongly worded warning against anyone who would preach a gospel contrary to that which the Galatians had originally received – Galatians 1:6-9Galatians 1:6-9•This was a real problem in the church, Judaizers (unnamed teachers) raising themselves – Galatians 4:17Galatians 4:17•Wishing to boast that the Gentiles had been circumcised – Galatians 6:13Galatians 6:13

Galatians 1:6-9Galatians 1:6-96 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel — 7 not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to who are confusing you and want to pervert the pervert the gospel gospel of Christ. of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed! (NRSV)

Galatians 4:17Galatians 4:1717 They make much of you, but for no good purpose; but for no good purpose; they want to exclude you, so that you may make much of them. (NRSV)

Galatians 6:13Galatians 6:1313 Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh.may boast about your flesh. (NRSV)

PROBLEMS IN PARADISE OR PROBLEMS IN PARADISE OR IN CHURCHES OF GALATIA IN CHURCHES OF GALATIA

•The presence of Judaizers in the church:

•These Judaizers also wanted the Gentiles the keep the law of Moses – Acts 15:1Acts 15:1

•Paul recognized this doctrine would jeopardize the salvation of those souls who accepted it – Galatians 5:4 Galatians 5:4

•These enemies of the Gospel of Christ try to undermine Paul’s authority as an apostle – Galatians 1:1Galatians 1:1

Acts 15:1Acts 15:11 Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the according to the custom of Moses,custom of Moses, you cannot be saved (NRSV)

Galatians 5:4Galatians 5:44 You who want to be justified by the law be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. (NRSV)

Galatians 11 Paul Paul an apostle an apostle — sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead — (NRSV)

A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIAEPISTLE TO THE GALATIA

•Paul’s defense of his apostleship – Galatians chapter one and two:

•His introduction and warning of the Judaizing teachers – (Galatians 1:1-10Galatians 1:1-10)

•The divine origin of his gospel – (Galatians Galatians 1:11-171:11-17)

•His relationship to the other apostles – (Galatians 1: 18 - 2:21Galatians 1: 18 - 2:21)

A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIAEPISTLE TO THE GALATIA

•Paul’s defense of the gospel of justification by faith – Galatians chapter three and four:•Paul’s personal arguments – ( Galatians 3:1-Galatians 3:1-55)•Scriptural teaching as arguments – (Galatians 3:6-25Galatians 3:6-25)•Practical teaching – (Galatians 3:26 – 4:7Galatians 3:26 – 4:7)•Sentimental doctrines – (Galatians 4:8-20Galatians 4:8-20)•The use of allegory’s – (Galatians 4:21-31Galatians 4:21-31)

A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIAEPISTLE TO THE GALATIA

•Paul’s calls for the church to stand fast in the liberty of the gospel – Galatians chapter five and six:•Liberty that excludes circumcision – (Galatians 5:1-6Galatians 5:1-6)•Liberty that fulfilled the law of Moses – (Galatians 5:7-15Galatians 5:7-15)•Liberty to be led by the spirit and a sense of responsibility – (Galatians 5:16- 6:10Galatians 5:16- 6:10)•Conclusion – (Galatians 6:11-18Galatians 6:11-18)

THE EPISTLE CONFIRMS THE EPISTLE CONFIRMS THE CHURCHTHE CHURCH

•Why should I believe the “church of Christ” is

the right church according to the New

Testament ???

THE EPISTLE CONFIRMS THE EPISTLE CONFIRMS THE CHURCHTHE CHURCH

•Today, we prove:•New Testament worship is what is

acceptable in God’s eyes today

And

•Why Old Testament worship is not needed today

WE ARE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH WE ARE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH IN CHRIST, IN CHRIST, NOTNOT THE OLD LAW THE OLD LAW

•Five easy points to believe:•1. The Old law serve its purpose – Gal. 3:19Gal. 3:19•2. We are NEVER justified by the Old law – Gal. 3:17Gal. 3:17•3. People will practice parts of the Old law – (Ignorantly and willfully) – Gal. 4:21Gal. 4:21•4. We should worship and glorify ONLY in the cross of Christ – Gal. 6:14Gal. 6:14•5. We are saved by baptism in Christ – Gal. 3:27Gal. 3:27

Galatians 3:19Galatians 3:1919 Why then the law? It was added because of added because of transgressions, transgressions, until the offspring would come to whom the promise had been made; and it was ordained through angels by a mediator. (NRSV)

Galatians 3:17Galatians 3:1717 My point is this: the law, which came four hundred thirty years later, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. (NRSV)

Galatians 4:2121 Tell me, you who desire to be subject to the law,be subject to the law, will you not listen to the law? (NRSV)

Galatians 6:14Galatians 6:1414 May I never boast of anything except the cross of except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christour Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (NRSV)

Galatians 3:27Galatians 3:2727 As many of you as were baptized into Christ baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (NRSV)

WE ARE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH WE ARE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH IN CHRIST, IN CHRIST, NOTNOT THE OLD LAW THE OLD LAW

•Not justified in a cursed law which never brought salvation

•Galatians 3:10 –12Galatians 3:10 –12

•If you keep one part of the law, you have to keep it all – but it still will never justify!

•Galatians 5:1–6Galatians 5:1–6

Galatians 3:10-12Galatians 3:10-1210 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the things written in the book of the law." 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law; no one is justified before God by the law; for "The one who is righteous will live by faith." 12 But the law does not rest on faith; on the contrary, "Whoever does the works of the law will live by them.“ (NRSV)

Galatians 5:1-6Galatians 5:1-61 For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3 Once again I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the entire law. 4 You who want to be justified by the law have cut your-justified by the law have cut your-selves off from Christ; selves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love. (NRSV)

WHY DO WE FIND, SINGING WHY DO WE FIND, SINGING AND PLAYING TO GODAND PLAYING TO GOD

•Only in the Old Testament?Only in the Old Testament? – – 1 1 Chronicles 13:1-14 (25:1-8)Chronicles 13:1-14 (25:1-8)

•How do we worship today?

•Ephesians 5:19 – Colossians 3:16Ephesians 5:19 – Colossians 3:16

•Melody in our hearts – teaching – admonishing – praising – using the words of the Psalmist

Ephesus 5:19Ephesus 5:1919 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, (NRSV)

Colossians 3:16Colossians 3:1616 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. (NRSV)

SUMMARYSUMMARY:: WHY DID THIS WHY DID THIS CHANGE IN THE NEW LAW?CHANGE IN THE NEW LAW?

• Because people became Idol and Sang VAINLY under the Old law

• Amos 6: 5Amos 6: 5

• Because the Old law was by no means a perfect law

• Hebrews 8: 7, 8,13Hebrews 8: 7, 8,13

• Because Christ is the End of the law

• Romans 10:4-5Romans 10:4-5

SUMMARY:WE LEARNED THAT SUMMARY:WE LEARNED THAT WORSHIP AND GLORY ARE IN WORSHIP AND GLORY ARE IN

THE CROSS OF CHRIST!THE CROSS OF CHRIST!

• Galatians 4:21-31Galatians 4:21-31““Free from Bondage”Free from Bondage”

• Galatians 5:16-26Galatians 5:16-26““Walk in spirit NOT law”Walk in spirit NOT law”

• Galatians 6:11-16Galatians 6:11-16““Glory only in the cross”Glory only in the cross”

SUMMARY: WE ARE SAVED IN SUMMARY: WE ARE SAVED IN CHRIST THROUGH BAPTISMCHRIST THROUGH BAPTISM

• Galatians 3:26-27Galatians 3:26-27

• 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. 27 children of God through faith. 27 As many of you as As many of you as were baptized were baptized

into Christinto Christ have clothed have clothed yourselves with Christ. (NRSV)yourselves with Christ. (NRSV)

• (Not before baptized)(Not before baptized)• (But in baptism)(But in baptism)