Gospel Freedom

In Galatians 2:1–10, Paul defends the freedom believers have in Christ. After warning the Galatians in chapter 1 to accept no alternative gospel, Paul now shows them that they must accept no additives to the gospel. 

Paul brings Titus, an uncircumcised Gentile believer, to Jerusalem as a living test case. Would Titus be forced to add circumcision in order to be fully received? Paul’s answer is clear: “we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.” The false brothers wanted to spy out Christian freedom and bring believers into slavery, but Paul stood firm for the gospel of free grace.

This sermon considers Christian liberty, liberty of conscience, false brothers, the danger of adding man-made requirements to Christ, and the balance between freedom in Christ and obedience to God. Gospel freedom is not lawlessness. It is freedom from man-centered requirements and freedom for joyful fellowship, love, and service.