galatians 2:17-21

Gal 2v17 - 21

A REFLECTION on how Paul’s life has changed because of Jesus

Justifying his position of

living by faith and not rules

Recap of Ch 1 & 2• Appointed by Christ (1v1)• Jesus gave Himself for our

sins so we could be delivered from this present evil age (1v4)

• There is NO other gospel (1v6)

• The gospel came from direct revelation from Christ (1v12)

Recap of Ch 1 & 2• A gospel experience is life

changing (1v13 – 16)• The gospel brings liberty from

religious tradition and not bondage to it (2v4)

• It was witnessed by Holy Spirit empowering (2v8f)

• It was confirmed by apostolic witness (2v8f)

• Religious tradition cannot bring righteousness , but only trust in Jesus (2v15)

Paul’s summary statement of Ch1

& 2

Gal 2:17 But if, in our endeavour to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor.

19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

Gal 2:17 When we Jews started looking for a way to please God, we discovered that we are sinners too. Does this mean that Christ is the one who makes us sinners? No, it doesn't! 18 But if I tear down something and then build it again, I prove that I was wrong at first.

19 It was the Law itself that killed me and freed me from its power, so that I could live for God. I have been nailed to the cross with Christ. 20 I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me. 21 I don't turn my back on God's undeserved kindness. If we can be acceptable to God by obeying the Law, it was useless for Christ to die.

18 But if I tear down something and then build it again, I prove that I was wrong at first.

What was it that Paul tore down?His OLD way of life

How does he describe it?• Living for human

approval (1v10)• Deep passion to

preserve the traditions of ancestors (1v14)

• Bondage (2v4)

20 In fact my old way of life has been crucified with Christ. That life has ceased to exist. What is happening now is that Christ is providing a new life within me. The life I am now living is an expression of faith in Christ who loved me and gave himself for me.

(You tube video)

Can you hear the finality in this statement. CRUCIFIEDCEASED TO EXIST

DEAD!!!!!

So …when you look into God’s mirror today what do you see?

Is this statement true in my life or have I taken back some of what was “crucified”?

Turn to someone beside you and share just one thing that changes when you committed your life to Christ. Prayer for each other.