Galatians

No Other Gospel

Galatians 1:1–10

Introduction

Jesus + NOTHING

1. The Gospel Comes from God (v 1–2)

“Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father…”

Paul says his apostleship was “not from men nor through man.” In other words, “No committee appointed me. No religious institution gave me this calling. No human being invented the message I preach.” His authority came “through Jesus Christ and God the Father.”

That means we do not have the authority to rewrite the gospel. Our responsibility is not to improve it but to proclaim it.

Paul also says God the Father “raised him from the dead.”

1. The Gospel Is About Grace (v.3–5)

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…”

The gospel says, “God extends grace to sinners through Jesus Christ, and because of that grace, we can have peace with God.”

Then Paul gives us one of the clearest summaries of the gospel in the passage:

“…the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins…”

“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” John 10:18

But notice why He gave Himself: “for our sins.” That little word “for” is at the heart of the gospel. Jesus died in our place.

Paul continues: “…to deliver us from the present evil age…” The gospel does more than forgive us; it rescues us. “…according to the will of our God and Father.”

“to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” That is where the true gospel always leads: to the glory of God. A man-centered gospel glorifies man. The biblical gospel glorifies God.

• There Is Only One Gospel (v.6–7)

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ…” Paul now changes tone dramatically. They were “deserting” the gospel. Deserting means ‘to change your allegiance.’

But notice carefully: Paul does not merely say they were deserting a doctrine. He says they were: “deserting him who called you…” To abandon the gospel is ultimately to abandon the God of the gospel. Jesus plus nothing.

Whenever we add something to Jesus as a requirement for justification before God, we have changed the gospel.

1. The Gospel Must Never Be Changed (v.8–9)

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” Paul is saying that the message is more important than the messenger.

“If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”

Why such strong language? Because eternity is at stake. If someone gives you a false gospel, the consequences are eternal. The church must guard the gospel carefully.

1. The Gospel Servant Seeks God's Approval (v.10)

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?”

This gets to the heart of Christian ministry. Who are we trying to please? Paul knew that preaching the true gospel would not always make him popular. Why?

The gospel says: You were a sinner. You could not save yourself. You could not earn God's favor. You needed a Savior and Jesus did everything necessary to save you.

That message humbles us.

Paul continues: “If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

There is a principle here every Christian needs to understand: You cannot make pleasing people the controlling purpose of your life and faithfully serve Jesus at the same time.

Conclusion: Jesus Plus Nothing

Galatians 1:1–10 brings us back to the central question: What are you trusting in to make you right with God? If your answer is Jesus plus anything, Paul calls us back to the gospel. Our hope is Jesus alone.