Previously, we looked at divine authority and power in the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ in Luke 4:1-22. Then Jesus warned us to look for the mark of divine authority in the lives and ministries of others, as well as in our own life and ministry in Matthew 7:13-29. In this lesson we will examine the flow of grace from God through us to others (Ephesians 3:1-8; I Peter 4:10; Romans 15:18). We also will discuss the glory, which is revealed to us and through us, that must not be tampered with (II Corinthians 4:6-7; 2:17; 12:7-10; I Corinthians 2:1-5).

Receiving and Distributing - Read John 3:25-30

Touch not the glory - Read John 7:14-18

Glancing through Galatians
The following references give us a survey of Paul's emphasis on the purity of the gospel. The gospel is of divine origin and must be handled humbly, reverently, and spiritually. Legalism, carnal attitudes / ambitions, and religious pride all interrupt the flow of God's grace and interfere with the glory that belongs to God alone. Soli Gratia ("By Grace Alone"). Soli Deo Gloria ("To the Glory of God Alone").

• Galatians 1:6-12
  In order to minister with Christ in a real and living way, we must abide in the doctrine of Christ (Colossians 2:6-8; II John 1:9).


• Galatians 2:20
  We need to see Christ obviously and actively present in our lives (John 15:4-5; Romans 15:16-18).


• Galatians 3:1-5
  The true gospel teaches that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10). It starts with justification and continues through sanctification all the way to glorification (Acts 13:38-39; Romans 3:23-24; Galatians 3:24; Philippians 1:6; I Thessalonians 5:23-24; II Thessalonians 2:13-14). It is a work of God's Spirit, not done by the strength and willpower of man (Galatians 5:16-25; II Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 2:12-13).


• Galatians 4:8-11, 17-20
  n order to walk with Christ, we must not get entangled with rituals, traditions, and religious forms (Colossians 2:8-10; Hebrews 13:9-16). False teachers will entangle you with laws, rules, and strange doctrines. Follow Christ, the teachings of His Apostles [i.e. the New Testament] and those teachers who do the same (Matthew 7:15-23; John 8:12,30-32,36; I Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:14-17; I John 4:1-6 cp. I Timothy 4:1-16).


• Galatians 5:1-9
  Again, Paul warns against the entanglements of man-made religion and legalism. It may seem harmless, but it is like leaven that spreads a bad influence on others (Galatians 5:9 cp. Matthew 16:5-12; I Corinthians 5:1-8). Note Galatians 5:6 cp. Galatians 6:15.


• Galatians 6:12-17
  Identifying with Christ in His death and resurrection is more than just getting baptized (Romans 6:1-13).

  As we die to self, our lives are changed by His inner-presence and resurrection power (John 14:15-23; Romans 8:9-14; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:10 cp. Ephesians 1:15-20; 3:14-19).

  Note Galatians 6:17 - As we die to self, our bodies might literally suffer and be scarred, while we seek to live godly lives and to reach others with the gospel (II Timothy 2:1-10; 3:10-12; II Corinthians 4:6-12).