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.