Living Free

FIRST IMPORTANCE

(Galatians 2:1-10) Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain. Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.

1. A CLEAR GOSPEL is of First Importance

(2) set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles.

A. The Roman Road

(Romans 3:23) All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

· Everybody starts out as a sinner.

· God’s glory is withheld from us.

(Romans 6:23) The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

· The ultimate consequence for sin is eternal death.

· The free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus.

(Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

· God’s gift of eternal life was not free to Him.

· He paid for our sin with the death of His Son.

(Romans 10:9) If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

· Do I believe that in my heart?

· Do I believe it enough to let Jesus be my Lord – and tell others about it?

2. A PURE GOSPEL is of First Importance

A. A gospel free of unnecessary baggage.

(3) Not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.

B. A gospel free of traditions and trappings.

3. A STRONG GOSPEL is of First Importance

(4-5) arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.