The Gospel is Not of Human Origin

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Gospel is Not of Human Origin

Date: Jun. 20, 2016

Passage

Galatians 1:11-24 (ESV)

11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 1:11

For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.

First, God revealed Jesus in Paul (11-17). False teachers, who may have claimed to be from the Jerusalem church, planted doubt about Paul's preaching. Paul clearly states that the gospel did not originate in man. Nor did he receive the gospel from another person. Paul received it directly from Jesus. Previously Paul had persecuted Christians in his zeal for Judaism and its traditions. But in God's sovereignty and grace, Jesus Christ was revealed in Paul. God's new mission for Paul was to preach the gospel to Gentiles. Rather than meet the apostles, Paul went to Arabia. The gospel and his new mission were clear; no other confirmation was needed.

Second, Paul's changed life (18-24) . After some years passed, Paul went to Jerusalem to meet Cephas (Peter) and James. They recognized his ministry to the Gentiles. Then Paul continued in Syria and Cilicia. His changed life testified to the power of the gospel. Though the churches in Judea did not know him personally, they praised God for changing Paul from a persecutor to a gospel worker.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for revealing Jesus to us. Change us to be so Christ-centered that others may praise God because of us.

One Word: Preach the gospel of God

The Church in Antioch

Acts 11:19-30

Key Verse: 11:26

and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Today's Question

What is the reason for the fifth commandment?

See answer and references