Not Man's Gospel

In Galatians 1:11–24, Paul makes a bold claim: the gospel he preached is “not man’s gospel.” Paul did not invent Christianity, reshape Jesus, or receive his message from men. He received the gospel through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

In this sermon, we look at Paul’s former life, his violent persecution of the church, and the dramatic grace of God that turned him from a destroyer of the faith into a preacher of Christ. Paul’s conversion shows the difference between the effect of man’s gospel and the effect of God’s gospel. Man’s gospel produces self-glory, religious confidence, and resistance to Christ. God’s gospel reveals Christ, converts sinners by grace, and brings glory to God.

This sermon also considers the doctrine of effectual calling: God’s gracious work by which He calls sinners out of sin and death, reveals Christ to them, and brings them freely to faith. The same grace that changed Paul is the grace every sinner needs.