In our text today, Paul is using his life story to make a case for him preaching the true gospel as a true apostle. He states clearly, “this is not man’s gospel.” He didn’t receive it from man, wasn’t taught it by man… This was given to him through direct revelation of Jesus Christ! In the end he alludes to his “why” for all of this, v.24 — They glorified God because of him. He begins with the Persuasion in vv.10-12. Next is the Proof in vv.13-23. Finally is the Purpose in v.24. The Persuasion, v.10-12. vv.10-12 answer 2 important questions for us: What was Paul’s motive for ministry? What was the origin of the gospel ministry in which Paul was involved? What was Paul’s motive for ministry? (10) Being the servant of Christ was Paul’s persuasion. This is what motivated him. It was God’s approval he was seeking, not man’s. In fact, he concludes, if I was motivated by people pleasing I would be the servant of those people — and not Christ! Sproul explains, “Paul’s opponents in Galatia attacked not only the gospel but also its messenger, Paul. One of their charges was that Paul preached an easy form of the gospel, requiring neither circumcision nor obedience to the Sabbath laws and dietary restrictions, but only faith in Jesus as Messiah.” This idea of being a people pleaser gets to the crux of the matter in the letter to the Galatians. This is where the legalism he is addressing begins. To live believing to be saved by grace through faith, but then having to maintain it by works…This legalistic approach…Is living to please people rather than God. So we find a question every person has to answer: Do I live seeking to please men or God? What is my motive in the Christian life? Ryken says, “If we try to please ourselves, or other people, then we are living by a different gospel. Pleasing God and pleasing others are mutually exclusive. We cannot follow our own ambitions and follow Jesus Christ at the same time.” This comes down to a basic understanding of the gospel. The gospel does not tell us what we have to do to please God. The gospel tells us what God has done for us through Jesus. This liberates us from seeking the approval of others. This frees us from striving for God’s favor. The “good news” of the gospel is that we already have the tender affection of His eternal love! The Christian is assured of God’s love and approval. God is pleased with us in Christ. So the Christian longs to obey God, not for himself, so that God will save him, but out of gratitude to God, who he knows has already saved him. “God’s approval liberates us to live in a way which God approves of. The gospel is both a powerful assurance, and a powerful motivation to live in radical obedience. We do not live God’s way in order to become His children, but out of gratitude that we are already God’s children.” (Keller) Calvin said, “those who resolve to serve Christ faithfully, must have boldness to despise the favour of men.” What was the origin of the gospel ministry in which Paul was involved? (11-12) It was not man’s Gospel. (11) The legalists are accusing Paul of easy-believism. Paul is accusing them of their legalism. Ultimately, this argument could only be won by whoever is right before God. Paul’s affirms, the gospel didn’t originate with men. Man-made religions emphasize human merit and the necessity of human works for salvation. Paul’s message did not. “The gospel is not man’s good news about God; it is God’s good news for man.” (Ryken) Paul was given the Gospel through revelation. (12) He was not taught it, nor did he receive it through human tradition. If Paul did not get the gospel from his own imagination, or from Peter or the other apostles, or from somewhere else in the church, then where did it come from? The answer is that the gospel came from God himself. “The gospel was not an invention, or a tradition, but a revelation.” (Ryken) It was something previously unknown that was unveiled by God. The gospel was supernaturally revealed to him on the road to Damascus. (See Acts 9:1-22) The Proof, v.13-23. The Purpose, v.24. Conclusion: As we end today, consider two points of response with me: First, do you believe the gospel was supernaturally given to the Apostles and then passed along to the churches? Second, what motivates you to live for Christ? If we are living to please men, or even to be such that we hope to please God — it is a good clue that we’ve missed the mark of the true gospel. Ultimately, this may also be proof to us that we do not actually believe the gospel to be super-natural. That God through Jesus accomplished our peace with Himself and has gifted it to us! That salvation truly is all of grace. Why must this point be driven down and remain firm? This is Not Man’s Gospel. Man’s Gospel says to ascend to a set of standards. Keep up with something, do something, prove your loyalty in some way. God’s gospel says, “I love you, thus, I lay down My life for your sins and redeem you to Myself."