The Curse Of The Gospel

Temple Baptist Church - 3-18-2009

Galatians 1:6-9

Introduction:

A. The gospel was meant to be a blessing to all people: Genesis 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

1. It is because only a pure gospel can save.

2. It is because only a pure gospel can sanctify.

B. In verse 6, we find Paul’s Amazement – “I marvel” (It is truly amazing the speed that believers can turn from true to false doctrine.)

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (As the “wind” changes, the carnal believer is blown about. Failure to grow spiritually is a dangerous condition which Satan preys upon.)

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (This devouring can be spiritual as well as physical!)

1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

1. Here, we find the extreme important of doctrinal purity: not only do we “save” ourselves, but also “them that hear” us—which includes our children!

2. I have seen so many place their “allegiance” to the churches they were brought up in above the truth and their family. Some people have a tendency to protect doctrinally impure denominations. I was brought up in two churches:

Baptist and Methodist. I do not defend either when doctrinal purity is at stake.

C. In verse 6, we find Paul’s Alarm – “removed” (They had turned to a perverted gospel that they had not received! Understand again that these are God’s people.)

D. In verse 6, we find Paul’s Astonishment – “from him that called you” (They had unknowingly turned from Christ!)

E. In the Book of Galatians, the man of God declares spiritual war upon these false prophets who pervert the gospel. God also declares war upon them!

Romans 1:16-18 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

1. The People Of Condemnation – It was not the Galatian believers but the heretical teachers and preachers.

a. They Troubled The People – The Gospel brings peace and assurance while the Law brings bondage and fear.

Galatians 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

b. They Tainted The Gospel – They substituted the Curse for the Cure!

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

2. The Power Of Condemnation

a. The Condemnation Was Clear – “accursed” (vs. 8-9 repeated!)

ACCURSED – Anathema - 1 Corinthians 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

1) To Be Rejected By The Saints - It Was Ex-communication From The Church (These “false teachers” were to be removed from the assembly!)

2) To Be Rejected By The Saviour - It Was Exclusion From Heaven (They could be saved if they came to Christ but to remain in this spiritual condition was eternal damnation.

b. The Condemnation Was Certain – “let him be accursed” (This was not a threat. It was a promise!)

2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

3. The Permanence Of Condemnation

a. Without The True Gospel They Cannot Be Saved! Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

b. Without The True Gospel They Can Be Sure! Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Conclusion: We are to hate what God hates! Not the people but the perversion of the true gospel that is able to save from the “gutter most” to the uttermost. Either acceptance or toleration of false gospel is to aid Satan in the damnation of precious souls.