The Epistle to the Galatians is the only epistle where Paul immediately rebukes the recipients without first thanking God for them. He considers them brothers through the gospel, but sees the imminent danger of apostasy characterized by the wilderness generation who deserted God for the golden calf. This message shows the grammatical links to that episode and the irony involved. By wanting to add aspects of the Law of Moses to the gospel, thinking they will enhance their spiritual status, the Galatians ironically were emulating those who worshipped the golden calf who "quickly deserted" God. The danger is real and serious. The antidote for desertion is the gospel itself. Those who add to the gospel to make it more pleasing to men destroy it. We also discuss the concepts of the outer call of the gospel compared to the inner call, God's means of sanctification, and the fact that there is only one gospel.

Handout | Discussion Questions | Powerpoint