Paul’s previous work in Galatia

• Acts 13:13-15, 42-44, 51-52 – This Antioch was in Pisidia, a region in Galatia.
• Acts 14:1-7
• Acts 16:1-5
• Acts 18:22-23

Galatians 1

Opening of the book

• Paul’s first remark (Galatians 1:1) was about his apostleship.
  • Appointed by Jesus and the Father
  • Compared to Matthias?
    • Acts 1:21-22
      • Accompanied them throughout Jesus’ ministry.
      • Selected by other apostles through lots.
    • Paul
      • Not present throughout Jesus’ ministry
      • Not selected by other apostles through lots
      • See II Corinthians 12:12. Paul had signs and wonders to confirm his apostleship.

Balance of opening

• From Paul and those with him
• To the churches of Galatia
• Salutations
  • Grace
  • Peace
  • From God our Lord
  • From the Lord Jesus Christ
    • Gave Himself for us
    • To rescue us from the present evil age
    • God’s will (II Peter 3:9)
    • Glory forever to Him

Galatians 1:6-9

• Paul warned about being led astray by a different or distorted gospel taught by others.
• II Peter 3:13-16

Introduction

• Proverbs 31:25-31
• Ephesians 6:1-3

Mary

• Luke 1:28-38 – Mary was ready to be God’s servant and do His will.
• Luke 2:24 – The family was poor from an earthly standpoint.
• Mothers, God appreciates your work!
• Mark 6:1-3 – Everyone looked at Jesus’ family as a normal family. They were far from wealthy. People were surprised when He started teaching!
• Mary’s value did not come through special amenities she was able to provide for Jesus.
• The value of mothers comes from raising Godly children.

Syrophoenician woman

• Matthew 15:21-28 – She was humble and persistent!
• I Thessalonians 2:7
• Ephesians 5:22, 33
• Luke 18:2, 8 – Be persistent in prayer. Do not lose heart!
• I Peter 3:1

Eunice (and Lois)

• Acts 16:1
• Acts 14:19-22 – Paul’s experience in Timothy’s hometown.
• Eunice and Lois became Christians when it was not easy to be a Christian. They might have seen Paul being stoned!
• II Timothy 1:5; 3:14

1 Corinthians 1

The city of Corinth

• Corinth was like the Las Vegas of its day. It was famous for its temple to Aphrodite and renowned as an immoral city.
• Romans 1:28-32

Background: What happened prior to this letter?

• Acts 18:1-8 – Paul tried to teach the Jews first, then the Gentiles.
• I Corinthians 1:14 – Paul baptized Crispus!
• Acts 18:9-17 – See I Corinthians 1:1. This is possibly the same Sosthenes.
• I Corinthians 1:11; 7:1; 12:1; 16:1 – There seems to have been previous discussions with Paul on some of these issues.

I Corinthians 1:1-3 – Greeting

• See I Corinthians 1:18, 30; 11:1; 15:1 – Even with these sins, God was allowing them time to grow.
• I Corinthians 5:5; 11:30 – Some among them were not in a good state with God.

I Corinthians 1:4-9 – Corinthians in Christ

• I Corinthians 1:4 – Paul was thankful for them despite their troubles. Contrast Paul’s attitude with that of Jonah (Jonah 3:10-4:4).
• I Corinthians 1:7 – We should be looking forward to going home to be with God! Things of this life are only temporary.

When Nathan confronted David with his guilt relative to his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband, David prayed (Psalms 51:10):

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” 

CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, O God.

David did not need a physical heart transplant; but he desperately needed a clean Bible heart. 

The Bible heart is identified by what it is said to do.

• The Bible heart thinks (Proverbs 23:7). It reasons (Mark 2:8). It understands (Matthew 13:15). It believes (Romans. 10:10.). This is intellect. 
• The Bible heart loves (Matthew 22:37). This is emotion.  
• The Bible heart obeys (Romans 6:17-18). This is will power.
• The Bible heart judges (1 John 3:20-21). This is conscience.

A clean heart is necessary for one to see God (Matthew 5:8). But how does one get a clean heart? Peter answers: “God put no difference between us (Jews) and them (Gentiles), purifying their heart by faith (Acts 15:9). But it is not by faith only; if so, even the devils would have pure hearts (James 2:19). It is a faith that obeys in  love (Galatians 5:6).  It is a faith that obeys by faith in baptism in the Name of Jesus (Acts 2:38). It is a faith that keeps one penitent and serving. As we leave this point, let me emphasize it says “create in me a clean heart”.

RENEW A RIGHT SPIRIT IN ME. 

The right spirit thinks on things that honest, true, pure, just, lovely and of good report (Philippians 4:8). A right spirit brings into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).  A right spirit hates evil with the same passion with which it loves truth (Psalms 119:128). In short; a right spirit does whatever it does in the Name of Christ. (Colossians 3:17).

CAST ME NOT AWAY FROM THY PRESENCE.

The way to effectively pray this can pretty well be summed up in three points.  Draw nigh to God (James 4:8).  Keep one’s body in subject to the will of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:27). Abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9).  

RENEW UNTO ME THE JOY OF THY SALVATON.

Some members have no real joy in God’s salvation. This is the reason for unfaithfulness. It takes no coaxing to get one to do that which he enjoys. Rejoice is an oft-repeated command. Rejoice always (Philippians 4:4). Rejoice in hope (Romans 12:12). Rejoice in Christ (Philippians 3:3). When we delight in the law of the Lord, we will be faithful (Romans 7:22; Psalms 1:1-2).

Now let us notice verse 13:

“Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee”

When David got these things right, he would be in position to teach others effectively.  So will we be. But let us be sure that we teach are “Thy” ways,” not my ways or the ways of any other source.

The church was started by teaching God’s ways, and it can only be kept pure by teaching God’s ways.

Jesse Jenkins

Victory is found in Jesus, not in your own perfection.

• Romans 7:14-25
• I must continue to fight, but victory will only be in Jesus.

Realize that this will be a journey.

• Ephesians 4:20-24 – We must continually put off the old self.
• Luke physical exercise, it is a continual gradual progress.
• Hebrews 5:13-14

Do some addition and subtraction.

• Can I shape my environment to help with temptation?
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• II Chronicles 24:1-2, 15-19 – Joash did good while Jehoiada was alive, but was then influenced by people who led him away from God.
• Add godly people to your life and subtract ungodly people.
• Psalms 119:9-16 – This is how you avoid sin!
• Philippians 4:8 – Dwell on good things!
• Proverbs 5:7-8; 7:7, 25
• Proverbs 13:20
• If it’s going to tempt you, stay away from it!

In the moment, try …

… thinking of God’s love

• John 15:9

… thinking of God’s wrath

• Mark 9:48