Why is it important to recognize Paul's gospel as "not devised by man"? Setting the Stage “Now I certify to you, brothers, that the gospel I preached was not devised by man.” – Galatians 1:11 Why It Matters That the Gospel Was Not Devised by Man • Man-made messages shift with culture; a God-given gospel stands unchanging. • Human ideas carry human limitations; divine revelation carries divine authority. • If Paul’s gospel came from people, it would share humanity’s flaws; because it came from Christ, it carries heaven’s perfection (Galatians 1:12). Anchored Authority • 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed…” If Paul’s message is God-breathed, it carries the same weight as the rest of Scripture. • 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – The Thessalonians accepted Paul’s word “not as the word of men, but as the word of God.” Their lives were transformed because God, not man, spoke. Guarding Against Counterfeits • Galatians 1:6-9 – Paul warns of “a different gospel.” Recognizing the divine origin of the true gospel shields believers from distorted versions. • 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 – Eve was deceived by a message that seemed plausible; believers guard their minds by clinging to the gospel that is divine, not human. Assurance of Complete Salvation • Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation is “not from yourselves; it is the gift of God.” A man-made gospel would mix in human merit. A divine gospel secures salvation by grace alone. • Romans 1:16 – “The gospel… is the power of God for salvation.” Because its power is God’s, its effectiveness is certain. Fuel for Unwavering Confidence • Hebrews 6:17-18 – God’s purpose is unchangeable; He cannot lie. When the gospel is God-given, believers possess “strong encouragement” in every storm. • Acts 20:24 – Paul risked everything, counting his life worth nothing compared with finishing the mission to testify to “the gospel of God’s grace.” A message born in heaven is worth living—and dying—for. Living Out a Heaven-Sent Gospel • Stand firm in grace, resisting legalism and self-reliance (Galatians 5:1). • Share the message boldly, knowing its power does not depend on the messenger (Romans 10:14-17). • Rest in the sufficiency of Christ, whose cross and resurrection were God’s plan from eternity, not humanity’s invention (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). |
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