REFLECTION SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 BENEDICTION: 2 John 3 SUMMARY: We'll lay the groundwork for Galatians. We'll note that Paul’s greeting to this church family includes a complete rejection of legalism in very few words…reminding us that cannot earn God’s favor through our own efforts - God’s good news is free and freeing. Grace - an answer to legalism. Grace - the way home for the prodigal. BACKGROUND / CONTEXT Paul confronting the work/message of “Judaizers”. Paul lays out what's at stake - right up front. Grace Peace Gospel's Authority God's glory GOD'S AMAZING GRACE 1. Amazing Grace is GOD! Galatians 1:1 Not by men. Marks of Legalism: working our own power working BY our own working TO God’s favor 2. Amazing Grace is FOR HIS ! Galatians 1:2 Paul was not alone. “all the brothers with me” 3. Amazing Grace is ! Galatians 1:3 to you from the Father through the Son See: Romans 5:8,17, Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16 4. Amazing Grace is ! Galatians 1:4-5 brings peace ...for our sins to deliver us from this evil age enables us to glorify God See: 1 John 3:16, Romans 6:1-4, 2 Corinthians 3:17, CONCLUSION The message of Galatians is the message of liberty. It is the message of freedom. It is release from the bondage of legalism. It is the way home for the prodigal.