Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for September 30, 2018

“The Cross and Your Crisis”   Galatians 4:12-20   Bible Study   09/30/18

This morning we will turn our attention to the passage which comprises the very “heart” of Paul’s crisis letter to the churches of Galatia. Here, in full crisis mode and with profound pastoral concern, he addresses the ongoing distortion of truth by false teachers and its disruptive impact upon his readers. After appealing for a restoration of fellowship with them, Paul proceeds to expose the motivation of the false teachers and to articulate his own apostolic motivation. Through his appeal and actions, he models a timeless principle: Manage the crisis in your life by clinging to the message of the cross.

I. Live in the power of grace rather than the prison of legalism. (12a)

• confirmation of the status of readers: “brothers”
• command rooted in a response to the gospel
• legalism: the “smog” that pollutes the air of grace

II. Delight in the fact of the gospel rather than the falsehood of feel-good. (12b-16)

• appeal for restoration of fellowship
• formerly: did me no wrong, received me…
• presently: What happened?
• Tend the garden of your thoughts with the tool of biblical truth.

III. Pursue the formation of Christ rather than the favor of man. (17-20)

• indictment of false teachers
• no good purpose
• being made much of
• Paul’s intense concern
• Paul’s motivation: Christ “formed” in the Galatians

IV. So What?

• Manage the crisis in your life by clinging to the message of the cross.
• “Lee, keep the seminary lashed to the cross.” (B.H. Carroll to L.R. Scarborough, 1914)
• Schedule your life around the reality of the cross. “Jesus, keep me near the cross…”