January 1, 2023
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

Galatians 1:1-5
Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

I. Who Do You Think You Are?

There is no stronger foundation to stand on than the authority of God and His Word.

II. Who Is He?

A. Christ’s work was voluntary.
B. Christ’s work was substitutionary.
C. Christ’s work was redemptive.
D. Christ’s work is in harmony with the will of the Father.
E. Christ’s work secures the highest praise of God.

Christ alone is our hope.

III. Who Am I?

A. Part of a Family

B. Sent To Represent Jesus

2 Corinthians 10:7-8
Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we. For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.

C. Reflecting His Grace and Peace

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

We are sent by God to share hope where we live, learn, work, and play.

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
• I commit to express thanks to Christ for what He has done for me.
• I choose to be a representative of grace and peace this week.

Deep Dive

1. Read Galatians 1:1-5. Why is it important that Paul spoke with the authority of God and not men?
2. What is the impact on our life when we shape our identity on what others say rather than what God says about us?
3. How can we routinely acknowledge what Jesus has done and find our identity in Him?

Springboards

1. How would you define the Gospel?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-7 and compare with your definition of the Gospel.
3. Why are we tempted to add to or complicate the Good News of the Gospel?