September 11, 2012 Christ Called

Christ Called Galatians 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle — sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers with me & Gal 2:20-21 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” THERE is a problem in Galatia, where Paul has helped start a church. He had left there, and other teachers had come into the church to tell them, “Paul isn’t as good as we are.” The new teachers cast doubt into a new church. Doubt is an effective dividing weapon Satan uses to destroy Jesus’ church. Paul writes to reaffirm his qualifications. He begins with a clear statement that his authority to serve the Gospel has come from Jesus. Please take time to read chapters 1 and 2 to see how Paul gives some detail to his calling and early ministry years. Paul is issuing a defense of his apostleship to defend the church from Satan’s attacks. This is critical to know here. Paul is only concerned for his reputation as it relates to the church. The church must know it is founded in Jesus’ teaching through Paul. They must know Paul is Jesus’ teacher. As Paul concludes his defense in chapter 2:20-21, he defines his life in Christ. He has died to his old self. He is alive in a new life Jesus has created for him. All he lives for is for Christ Jesus. That new life in Christ is for you, too. Whatever is going on in your life that takes you from Jesus’ teachings, you must stop those things and know his true words for you. Jesus turned Paul’s life around. He will do the same for you when you die to yourself and live in him. It’s True! Crucified in Christ, you will be new in your living Savior.