Galatians – Every Book for All of Life

Mark Pritchard   -   February 2, 2025

Galatians: Resting in Christ’s Finished Work

Speaker: Mark Pritchard, Senior Pastor

Summary of Message

This Missoula sermon on Galatians dives deep into the heart of the gospel message: that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Pastor Mark Pritchard reminds us that we are not saved—or kept saved—by our efforts, but by the finished work of Jesus Christ. As believers in Missoula wrestle with anxiety, performance-based spirituality, or legalism, Galatians offers rest, freedom, and gospel clarity. Discover how this ancient letter speaks directly to modern-day striving and calls us to trust in Christ, not ourselves.

Outline of Message

1. The Defense of the True Gospel (Galatians 1–2)

Paul is astonished that the Galatians are deserting the gospel of grace for a distorted version that adds works to salvation. The gospel is not Jesus plus obedience; it is Jesus alone. Any message that suggests salvation must be earned is a false gospel. Paul defends the message he received directly from Christ, confronting even Peter when he began to compromise the truth. The heart of justification lies in faith, not the law.

2. The New Gospel Family (Galatians 3)

The gospel not only saves individuals, it creates a new kind of community. In Galatians 3:28, Paul declares that in Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. The gospel destroys divisions based on ethnicity, class, or gender. It brings unity without erasing identity, welcoming all who believe into God’s family as equals by grace.

3. The New Gospel Life (Galatians 5)

In Galatians 5, Paul shows how the gospel not only changes our status before God but transforms our hearts and lives. We have been crucified with Christ and now live by the Spirit, not the flesh. Obedience flows from grace—not to earn God’s love, but because we already have it. The Christian life is not striving for acceptance, but walking in freedom, led by the Spirit to love and serve others.

4. The Essence of the Gospel: Justification by Faith (Galatians 2:16)

This verse summarizes the entire letter: “a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” Pastor Mark breaks down three key terms—law, justified, and faith—to highlight that salvation is entirely a work of God. Christians are declared righteous because of Christ’s death and resurrection, not personal merit. When we add anything to Jesus, we nullify grace. The call is clear: stop striving, and rest in Jesus’ finished work.

FAQ

• What is the main message of Galatians?
  Galatians proclaims that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. Paul defends the true gospel and warns against legalism and false teaching.
• Why does Paul emphasize justification by faith?
  Because it’s the core of the gospel. Paul insists that no one can be declared righteous by obeying the law—only through faith in Jesus Christ can we be justified.
• How does this sermon apply to Christians in Missoula today?
  Many believers in Missoula struggle with performance-based faith, legalism, or spiritual anxiety. This sermon offers freedom in Christ, reminding us we are accepted and loved not because of what we do, but because of what Jesus has done.
• What are common signs of a works-based view of salvation?
  Spiritual anxiety, joyless obedience, comparing yourself to others, or believing God loves you more when you perform well. These are signs we may be trusting in ourselves, not the gospel.