In Galatians 4:12-20, Paul reaches the climax of his argument. In the simplest terms, there are two gospels and two ministries placed before the Galatians. Which one are they going to choose? There’s the gospel that Paul preached “because of an illness,” and there’s the gospel that the false teachers preach “to win you over, but for no good.” Which one will you have?
Now when I say “ministry,” I don’t want you to narrow the field that ministers engage in. Instead, it is best to understand ministry as the act that all Christians are called to be a part of. Elsewhere, Paul calls Christians ambassadors of Christ. It’s best to think of ministry as our ambassador-ly behaviors and actions.
The question we have to ask is, What are we pointing to through our ministry? The ministry of the false teachers in Galatia pointed to themselves. There was a sense in which, à la Cheap Trick in 1977, they “want you to want me… need you to need me.” In other words, the aim of the false gospel, false ministry is to create dependence on the teachers themselves.
But what about the true gospel? The gospel Paul preaches? The aim is not dependency on Paul, or any one preacher, but on Jesus himself so that “Christ is formed in you.” True ministry does not elevate the ambassador, but directs all honor and glory to the one true king, Jesus Christ. So today, there are two ministries before us. Are we choosing the right one?
-Caleb McCaughan
Dinner Table Conversations:
Adult & Teen Table Talk:
- Do you ever find it appealing to have people relying on you in some way? Why?
- We are all called to be gospel ministers to fellow Christians. How will your specific ministry change, based on this passage?
Little Learners’ Table Talk:
- Paul loved the people and wanted to help them follow Jesus. Who are some people who help you follow Jesus?
Sermon Title: Two Gospels, Two Ministries
Sermon Series: Set Free
Sermon Passage: Galatians 4:12-20
Closing Scripture: Mark 10:42-45
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