Become as I Am!

Part 7

Text: Galatians 4:12-20

Introduction/Review:

I. The Galatians’ previous attitude toward Paul signified their acceptance of Christ and the gospel. vv. 12b-14

II. The Galatians’ present attitude toward Paul signified their possible rejection of Christ and the gospel. vv. 15-16

III. The Judaizer’s attitude toward the Galatians signified their zeal to be praised and honored. v. 17

IV. Paul’s attitude toward the Galatians signified his zeal to proclaim the gospel in order to form Christ in his hearers. vv. 18-20

A.       Paul’s Commendable Zeal, v. 18

B.       Paul’s Honorable Motive, v. 19

Lesson:

Paul’s language in vv. 19-20 is:

1.       Startling

2.       Emotional

3.       Personal

4.       Reproving

“Sancification is…our justification in action” (Graeme Goldsworthy, Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture, p. 237).

“…sanctification means this: in relationship both to sin and to God, the determining factor of my existence is no longer my past. It is Christ’s past” (Sinclair Ferguson, Christian Spirituality: Five Views of Sanctification, p. 57).

C.       Paul’s Perplexed Desire, v. 20

Reflection:

1. The mark of a truly authentic gospel-driven ministry is whether it labors to see Christ formed in people.

2. The mark of a truly authentic gospel-driven ministry is that it rebukes and comforts.

3. The mark of a truly authentic gospel-driven ministry is that it makes clear That Christ is the object of saving faith.

© John Fonville

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