Greetings from an Authentic Apostle

Sunday Sermon
July 26th 2009
Rhema Community Church

Sermonic Skeleton

Sermonic Scripture: ESV Galatians 1:1-5 Paul, an apostle- not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead- 2 and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Sermonic Theme: Saved & Set Free (How to respond when you’ve been lied on.)

Sermonic Tension: The Mosaic Law verses the doctrine of Grace.

Sermonic Sentence: Glorify God alone for the wonderful things He has done.

Sermonic Help: Galatians 1.4 “Who gave himself for our sins.” Christ died for our sins, not for our virtues. It is not your efficiencies, but your deficiencies which entitle you to the Lord Jesus. It is not your wealth, but your lack. It is not what you have, but what you have not. It is not what you can boast of, but what you mourn over that qualifies you to receive the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Spurgeon at His Best)

Grace, Irresistible: Grace which cannot be rejected, since God always achieves His aims: “The work of the Holy Spirit in bringing men to faith never fails to achieve its object.” The doctrine of irresistible grace teaches that a person cannot resist God’s choice to save him, a choice to save him a choice determined before the foundations of the world. Also known as, “Effectual Calling,” irresistible grace is one of the five points of Calvinism.

Grace (common, efficacious, prevenient) One of the central concepts of the Scriptures, grace speaks of God’s loving actions toward creation and toward humankind in particular. Grace is the generous overflow of the love of God the Father toward the Son, Jesus Christ. This love is most clearly demonstrated to humans through God’s selfless giving of Jesus to enable people to enter into a loving relationship with God as the Holy Spirit enables them. Common grace speaks of God’s extension of favor to all people through providential care, regardless of whether or not they acknowledge and love God. Efficacious grace refers to the special application of grace to a person who comes by faith to Christ for salvation. It is the special act of God that brings about the true salvation of a person. Prevenient grace, though often thought to be synonymous with common grace, refers more specifically to the Wesleyan idea that God has enabled all people everywhere to respond favorably to the gospel if they so choose.

Sermonic Cross Reference: NLT Acts 9:1-9 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath. He was eager to destroy the Lord's followers, so he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them-- both men and women-- back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 As he was nearing Damascus on this mission, a brilliant light from heaven suddenly beamed down upon him! 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" 5 "Who are you, sir?" Saul asked. And the voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you are to do." 7 The men with Saul stood speechless with surprise, for they heard the sound of someone's voice, but they saw no one! 8 As Saul picked himself up off the ground, he found that he was blind. 9 So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days. And all that time he went without food and water.

Sermonic Title: “Greetings from an Authentic Apostle”

Sermonic Structure:

I. Paul The Apostle has God given Authority (V.1)

II. Paul The Apostle has a Gentile Audience (V.2)

III. Paul The Apostle has a God centered life, Amen (V. 3-5)