Lesson
4 June 16, 2002
Review:
1:10
Paul's Conclusion
Paul
uses 2 rhetorical questions to explain and amplify the strong statements that
he has just made about those who would corrupt and change the message of the
Gospel.
Paul
is saying, "Now, in the light of the strong words of verses 8 and 9, would
you say I am seeking to curry the favor of men?" or of God?
Notice the last phrase, If I were still trying
to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Summary
1:10
1. Paul
alludes to the practice in his early years that he had fallen into the human viewpoint trap of playing politics
to please others. [PC] "if
I were still"
2. No one
but especially no pastor can compromise the truth, doctrine, what the Word of
God clearly teaches to please or influence others and expect to be pleasing
God!
3.
Pleasing others apart from the DWOG and pleasing God are mutually
exclusive.
4. With
the rhetorical questions Paul asks we have an indication that was accused of
toning down his communication of the Gospel to gain favor with the Gentiles.
5. Should
begin to see an apparent paradox developing;
freedom is the theme of the epistle, and the implication here is that
real freedom is to be found where?
With verse 11 we begin the first of the 3 major
divisions of the epistle.
I. Paul's Defense of His Right to Preach
Christian Liberty, 1:10-2:21
1. In vs:11-12 Paul deals first the source of
the Gospel
a. Stated Negatively 1:11-12a
For I would have you know,
brethren,
that the gospel which was
preached by me
is not according to man.
1:12a
For further
explains why the gospel he taught was not from man
I neither received it from man nor was
I taught it
b. Stated Positively 1:12b
but I (received it) through a revelation
of Jesus Christ.