Be Free Galatians 1:13-24 – “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Be Free Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which

Be Free persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me.”

Be Free Galatians 1:11,12 – “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Be Free Verse 13: “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:” “I persecuted the church” – Drove away, harassed, troubled “Wasted it” – To overthrow, destroy, make havoc

Be Free Verse 14: “And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.” “Profit in the Jews religion” – Boasts about his accomplishments

Be Free Verse 14: “And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.” Religion / Law Relationship / Grace 1. Man centered 1. Christ centered 2. Trusting tradition 2. Trusting Christ 3. Based on work of men 3. Based on work of Christ

Be Free Verse 14: “And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.” Religion / Law Relationship / Grace 4. Based on doing 4. Based on what’s done in Christ 5. Leads to condemnation 5. Leads to and death transformation & eternal life

Be Free Verse 15: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,” “But when it pleased God” – On God's time table I Corinthians 15:10 – "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."

Be Free Verse 15: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,” “But when it pleased God” – On God's time table Philippians 2:13 – "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure."

Be Free Verse 16: “To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:” "To reveal His Son in me" – God revealed His Son to Paul in his conversion on the road to Damascus Mark 8:36 – "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

Be Free Verse 16: “To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:” In Paul's conversion in Acts 9: "Lord, who are thou?" / Relates to salvation "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" / Relates to service

Be Free Verse 17: “Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.” "Neither went I up to Jerusalem" – Following his Damascus Road conversion, Paul made no trip to Jerusalem Galatians 1:11,12 – "But I certify you brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by revelation of Jesus Christ."

Be Free Verse 18: “Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.” The verb "to see" means to get to know

Be Free Verse 19: “But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.” James was the Senior Pastor figure in the church of Jerusalem This indicates the word apostle was not always restricted to "The Twelve"

Be Free Verse 20: “Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.” Paul is clearly affirming with the Galatian believers that his message is true

Be Free Verses 21-23: “Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.” What we see here is the power and influence of God's grace Paul's story reminds us of God's love for sinners. Paul's story reminds us that it is never too late.

Be Free Verses 21-23: “Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.” What we see here is the power and influence of God's grace Paul's story reminds us that as long as there is life, there is hope. Paul's story reminds us that the God of the Bible is characterized by grace, mercy, and love

Be Free Verses 21-23: “Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.” Titus 2:11 – "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men."

Be Free Verse 24: “And they glorified God in me.” I Corinthians 10:31 – "Whether therefor ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

Be Free Verse 24: “And they glorified God in me.” Galatians 6:14 – "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."

Be Free Verse 24: “And they glorified God in me.” Ephesians 3:21 – "Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end."

Be Free Galatians 6:14 – "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."

Be Free John 12:32 – "And I, if I be lifted up for the earth, will draw all men unto me."