Dead to the Law: Studies in Galatians – Lesson 2 (1:6-9)

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Galatians 1:6-9

6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Observations

  • Without proper grounding in God’s Word, believers are easily deceived by false doctrines (vs. 6).
  • We are called by God to the grace of Christ (vs. 6).  It is not because we are seeking Him (cf. Rom. 3:11).  In Christianity, we often talk about “seekers”, but actually we are actually recognizing is God working in their life to draw them to Himself (John 12:32).
  • There are many false “gospels” in the world (vs. 6).  There is “not another” true gospel (vs. 7).  On the contrary, there is only one true gospel and that is that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
  • Any gospel that deviates from the revealed truth of God’s Word is a man-made perversion (vs. 7).
  • The gospel does not change (vs. 8).  What has been revealed is the same throughout time.  No human or spiritual being can change it.  This is consistent with the character of God (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17).
  • The fact that it was important to repeat the admonition (vs. 9) is ample evidence that the principle being communicated is critical—do not pervert the gospel of Christ!

Ideas for Teaching/Preaching/Personal Study

  • Research the false doctrines and practices that have plagued the church throughout history (Gnosticism, Montanism, Arianism, etc.).  Identify heresies that keep appearing.  Develop a theory as to why these keep appearing.
  • Research, then compare and contrast more recent deviations from the gospel of Christ (Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormanism, etc.) with orthodox Christian beliefs.
  • Research major world religions (Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, etc.), then compare and contrast them with orthodox Christian beliefs.
  • List reasons why people may be deceived by false gospels.  List ways that Christians can address these reasons.
  • Why do you think “angel from heaven” was listed by Paul in verse 8?
  • The word “accursed” used in verses 8 and 9 is the Greek word anathema.  Do a word study on this word and interpret the meaning.  Use commentaries, Bible dictionaries, or other tools.
  • Develop a sermon or lesson on the topic: Staying True to the Gospel of Christ.