Not All Who Wander Are Lost
Introduction: The Shocking News
Think About It: Recall a time you heard news that completely changed your perspective on someone or something. How did that initial shock evolve as you learned more?
Point 1: The Divine Origin of the Gospel (Galatians 1:11-12) 11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Sermon Point: Paul forcefully declares that the Gospel he preaches is not from human sources – not tradition, not intellect, not even learned from other apostles initially. It came directly through a revelation of Jesus Christ. This gives his message unparalleled authority, like a direct command from the General (Jesus) amidst battlefield confusion, cutting through rumors and human interpretations.
Reflect & Apply This Week:
Where does your understanding of the Gospel primarily come from? Is it deeply rooted in the revelation of Jesus Christ as found in Scripture, or is it significantly shaped by cultural norms, family traditions, or popular opinions (a "man's gospel")?
The sermon contrasts living in the "origin of Adam" (doubt, striving, focusing on self) with living in the "origin of Christ" (grace, new creation, confidence in God's goodness). In what specific ways do you see these two "origins" playing out in your thoughts, feelings, and decisions this week?
Ponder: How does recognizing the divine origin of the true Gospel solidify your identity as a "new creation" rather than just an "improved version" of your old self?
Point 2: The Zealous Life Before Christ (Galatians 1:13-14) 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.
Sermon Point: Paul doesn't hide his past. He reminds the Galatians of his "former life in Judaism" – not just religious affiliation, but an all-encompassing identity. He was violently persecuting the church, driven by extreme zeal, and was highly successful and respected within that system ("advancing beyond many"). From a worldly perspective, he had every reason to stay on that path. His extreme actions perhaps even masked internal conflicts or sought to silence doubts.
Reflect & Apply This Week:
Consider the areas in your life where you experience success, respect, or stability (career, family role, reputation, skills). How much of your identity is tied up in these things?
Like Paul, who had "no reason to leave Judaism" based on worldly metrics, are there areas where success or comfort might make you resistant to God's nudging or a deeper call to follow Christ, even if it means change or sacrifice?
The sermon challenges us to ask: "Is all that I am doing... rooted in the 'seed of Adam' (self-glory, worldly values) or the 'seed of Christ' (God's glory, kingdom values)?" Take inventory of a typical day or week. Where does your time, energy, and passion truly go? What "kingdom" are you building?
Reflect on pastor Trever’s personal sharing about mortality. How does the reality that all worldly success and possessions are temporary impact how you view your achievements and priorities today? What truly matters in light of eternity?
Point 3: The Transforming Power of God's Call (Galatians 1:15) But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace
Sermon Point: The phrase "But when..." marks the dramatic shift. This transformation wasn't Paul's initiative; it was God's. God had already set him apart before birth and called him through grace. This highlights God's sovereign plan and pursuit, operating independently of Paul's actions or merit. The realization dawns: it's all God's grace.
Reflect & Apply This Week:
Paul realized God's hand was on him long before his conversion, even during his time as a persecutor. How does understanding that God's sovereign grace and calling might extend even over periods of your life when you felt far from Him, or even opposed to Him, change your perspective on your past and God's faithfulness?
How is God calling you to let your own story of transformation – your changed attitudes, priorities, and actions – serve as evidence of the Gospel's power, pointing others not to you, but to the God who saves and transforms?
Concluding Thought: Paul's journey from zealous persecutor to dedicated apostle is a powerful testament that no one is beyond the reach of God's transformative grace. His story encourages us to examine the origin of our own faith, honestly assess our lives and motivations, and rest fully in the sovereign grace of God that calls us and empowers us for His purposes. Let your life this week increasingly reflect the reality that you have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light.
