LESSON 686: DANGER OF PERVERTING THE GOSPEL MEMORY VERSE: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8) TEXT: Galatians 1:1-10

SUMMARY (1) From our last study, we learnt the following lessons: Believers are called to godly living, which demands Christian discipline. Ministers should know their flock so they can influence them positively. Honesty in members demands ministers that uphold the whole truth. We should examine our lives regularly to ensure we follow the Bible. We should be warm-hearted towards one another and live in purity. The study of today touches on three points: Apostolic greeting and affirmation of the gospel Reproof for turning away from the true gospel Great damnation for perverting the gospel

SUMMARY (2) Apostolic greeting and affirmation of the gospel (Galatians 1:1-5): This opening greeting reminds us that we can only live the Christian life by God’s grace. Paul affirmed his apostleship to silence false teachers who questioned his authority. Being rescued from this evil world does not mean that we are taken out of it but that we are no longer enslaved to it. Reproof for turning away from the true gospel (Galatians 1:6-9): Paul reproved the shift of the Galatians from salvation by faith to the law and rituals. Gospel perversion appeals to the flesh or human pride; it gospel destroys gospel purity. To overcome, believers must love holiness, be well taught, grow up and flee traditions. Great damnation for perverting the gospel (Galatians 1:8-10): False teachers and perverters of the gospel place themselves under divine curse. We should avoid perverters, correct them if possible, expose and withdraw from them.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What roles should members and leaders play in order to maintain sound doctrine in the Church? Acts 20:28 1 Timothy 5:20

QUESTION 2 Point out some notable attributes believers should manifest when correcting those who err in the faith. 2 Thessalonians 3:14,15 Matthew 18:15-17 Galatians 6:1

QUESTION 3 Mention some ancient and modern perversions of the gospel. James 2:14-18,24,26 Mark 16:16 Ephesians 2:8,9 Romans 10:3

QUESTION 4 What are the major features of the perverted gospel? Mark 7:8 Colossians 2:18,19 Romans 1:18,25

QUESTION 5 Point out some conditions that influence a person to pervert or embrace perverted gospel: 2 Thessalonian 2:7-12 Ephesians 4:14 Hebrews 5:12-14 Colossians 2:8

QUESTION 6 Point out the punishment awaiting the perverters of the gospel: 1 Corinthians 16:22 Titus 3:10,11 Revelation 22:18,19

CONCLUSION We can only live the Christian life through God’s grace. Paul’s apostolic authority lay in the divine origin of his apostleship. To overcome error, believers must love holiness, be well taught, grow up and flee traditions. We must know the truth, affirm it and defend it. Good works cannot obtain salvation; yet genuine salvation must lead us to good works or acts of divine service. Believers must watch against false teachers: expose them and avoid them.