Defend the truth of the Gospel

I. Defend the Gospel against the false Christians

* Our adversary constantly seeks to sabotage the truth of the Gospel!

  1. Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain (Galatians 2:1, 2).
  2. Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved" (Acts 15:1).
  3. But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you (Galatians 2:3?5).

II. Defend the Gospel with biblical orthodoxy

* Apostolic authority confirmed the biblical gospel of grace!

  1. But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality) - well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me. But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles) (Gal 2:6?8).
  2. And recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised (Galatians 2:9).

III. Defend the Gospel through loving ministry

* Acts of kindness validate the transforming power of the gospel!

  1. They only asked us to remember the poor - the very thing I also was eager to do (Gal 2:10).
  2. But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth (1 John 3:17, 18).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, September 29th, 2024

Life group flow and discussion questions

"Defend the truth of the Gospel"

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Become "Bereans" in our disciplined study of Scripture (Acts 17:11), should be the goal for every person. Discuss how your Life Group can stimulate one another to defend the truth of the gospel.

Getting Started:

  1. What characterizes a person as a true born-again Christian (John 1:12, 13; 3:5-7)? What constitutes a "false Christian" in God's eyes and discerning Christians (Galatians 2:4; Matthew 7:21; 2 Timothy 3:5)?
  2. Why does Satan sow false Christians within the church family (Matthew 13:36-43)?

Discussing Truths:

  1. How would you explain and defend the truth of the gospel (1 Peter 3:15)?
  2. Do you think it's important to emphasize the gospel of grace (Romans 11:6) is not deserved, cannot be earned and is not conditioned on one's goodness?
  3. How should we approach someone with the gospel of grace so as not to be divisive nor arrogantly dogmatic?
  4. Does your life: your words, your attitude and your actions reflect gratitude to God for His gracious salvation?
  5. Why do many people want to add to the gospel some works or human merit?
  6. What is your "Plumb Line" for evaluating truth verse error (1 John 4:1-6)?
  7. Can you defend the gospel against false teaching with sound biblical doctrine?

Now What? Application:

  1. Who can you show an act of kindness to this week? Be proactive!
  2. Pray earnestly that God would give you eyes of love for people and a genuine heart of compassion and a boldness of loving speech.