
“True Gospel”
Rescue Mission Series Lesson 1
Sermon Notes
May 18, 2025
I. Setting the Stage for Galatians…
A. In the book of Acts, we meet a man named Saul, a devout
1. But God had a different
B. In Acts 13, the Holy Spirit called Saul (his name becomes Paul) and Barnabas to go on what we may call the first ever global mission trip. (Acts 13:2-3)
1. As Paul and Barnabas traveled through the region of Galatia (central Turkey today), they increasingly preached to an audience that was more
2. Paul never once told a Gentile that you have to become a
C. Unfortunately, a group of Judaizing teachers began to infiltrate the Galatian churches, teaching adherence to the Mosaic Law, including
1. These false teachers denied that the work of Christ was
2. In the book of Galatians, Paul is going to address two questions over and over again: a) Is Christ’s work on the cross enough to save us? and b) Is the Holy Spirit enough to change us? (Galatians 1:6-2:10)
3. Understand that Paul is being accused of not being an apostle and of not preaching the
D. Discussion Questions for Life Groups & Families: Consider the following questions after reading Galatians 1:1-2:10: a) In what ways had the Galatian believers shocked Paul? b) Given Paul’s defense of his apostleship and preaching that is embedded in this text, what criticisms or accusations were likely lodged against Paul? c) What might be attractive about a religious system that is rooted in human attainment and following a set of rules? d) What is the value of church leaders today telling the stories of their own spiritual journeys?
II. The One True Gospel…
A. The one true gospel is the one true way to come to God!
All roads do not lead to heaven! There are perverted gospels! (Galatians 1:6-9)
The good news is not that we can be rescued; the good news is that we can be rescued by
Discussion Questions for Life Groups & Families: Think about how these two truths are challenged today: The one true gospel is from God. And the one true gospel is the one true way to come to God. How are these two truths challenged or even attacked today?
B. The one true gospel is the only gospel that can
1. The one true gospel is not built on attainment; it is built on
2. Grace was not just something Paul explained. Grace was the only way to explain Paul. (I Timothy 1:15-16)
3. Some of us are former
4. Discussion Questions for Life Groups & Families: Reflect on your personal testimony of God’s grace? How does grace explain your life? What do “elder brothers” need rescuing from?
C. Only the true gospel and the
1. Rules can manage behavior, but they are never going to produce character
2. Grace doesn’t let you get away with sin; grace motivates you to do away with sin. (Titus 2:11-12)
3. Discussion Questions for Life Groups & Families: What can God’s grace and the Holy Spirit do to move us toward Christlikeness that “rules” cannot do?