How to Teach the Gospel of Jesus with Authority ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

Paul’s authority to teach the gospel was under attack by the Judaizers. However, he was more concerned that the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ was under direct attack. The Judaizers attacked the foundation of the gospel of Grace alone for salvation in the early churches in Galatia. They taught salvation by grace plus works by submitting the people to the Jewish law. He came to the defense of the Gospel message in his letter to the Galatians. First, he defended his authority as the twelfth apostle, chosen by Jesus Christ. Judas was no longer the twelfth apostle. Therefore, the twelfth apostle to replace him, was chosen by Jesus Christ. Paul’s authority to be named among the twelve did not come by being chosen by men; rather, he was chosen by the risen Lord. Any authority to teach the true gospel message, must come from God Himself.

Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) (Galatians 1:1). Paul began his letter by going directly to the core. No one has the authority to teach any gospel or message beyond the truth that Jesus Christ is the only means to salvation, as He had presented, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). If we teach any message beyond that which the inerrant word of God presents, we have failed. Always, we must be aware and diligent to study God’s word, guided by the Holy Spirit; so as not to apply man’s psychology or thoughts. We must prayerfully study so as to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Authority to Teach the Gospel

Although, unlike Paul, we cannot proclaim that we have physically seen the risen Lord, nor can we claim apostleship. We still must diligently teach the Word, truthfully as followers of Christ. We must bow humbly beneath the authority of God, never injecting man’s opinion into the gospel message. As he writes this letter to the Galatians, in verse 2 of Chapter 1, Paul mentions that he writes it along with all the Brethern that are with him. He does this to point out that he is not teaching a message contrary to the truth, as they too were witness to. Quickly, he pivots back to his salutation, “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:3). The only source of Grace and Peace comes from God through the sustaining salvation given through Jesus Christ, purchased on the cross.

As John McArthur points out in his Bible Commentary, “If salvation is by works as they (the Judaizers) claimed, it is not of ‘grace’ and cannot result in ‘peace’, since no one can be sure he has enough good works to be eternally secure.”[1] As we continue through Galatians, you will see that Grace is not a license to sin; rather, Grace is the means of our salvation. God takes on the responsibility of transforming our hearts, by whatever means is necessary. A true believer, having been washed in the blood of Christ, will be continually transformed as their love for Christ and the Father grows.

Christ Alone has Authority to Save Sinners

Let’s finish out the salutation.

“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this evil world, according to the will of God and our Father. To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Galatians 1:3-5).

Our only hope of salvation and to be delivered from our sin, comes by Grace and Grace Alone, through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who willingly gave His life as a ransom for ours. (Mark 10:45).

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:10-12).

The Only True Authority

There is no authority apart from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ to save sinful men and women. Beyond that, there is no authority outside of God’s inerrant Word by which we may teach. If in anyway, we teach a message not firmly grounded in His Word of truth; then, we will stand before His throne of judgement one day to account for our sin. Teaching the message of the gospel is a grave commission. Let us humbly bow before His throne of grace, repentant of our sins. Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide, teach His message to a world so desperately in need.

[tweetthis]Never forget, you have no authority on your own.[/tweetthis] [bctt tweet=”Therefore, surrender your heart, mind, and spirit to the workings of the Holy Spirit. ” username=”effiedarlene”] [tweetthis]Be diligent in prayer and in studying God’s Word of truth.[/tweetthis]

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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.