The podcast explores the captivating struggle of early Christians grappling with the pull of false teachings and legalism. It dives into the concept of 'stoikia' as a form of slavery to non-gods, critiquing traditional religious interpretations. Listeners are invited to transcend religious categories and confront the roots of idolatry that lead to moral failures. The discussion emphasizes the Ten Commandments' role in shaping personal spirituality and stresses the importance of recognizing and overcoming idolatry for true freedom.
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insights INSIGHT
Legalism Equals Slavery
The Galatians risked falling back into slavery by trying to earn God's favor through strict law obedience.
Paul warns that this legalism enslaves them no less than their former pagan idolatry did.
insights INSIGHT
Meaning of Non-Gods
The Greek term stoichia refers to elemental spirits or principles behind creation that pagans worshipped as gods.
These are not just laws or principles but actual spiritual powers treated as deities.
insights INSIGHT
Idolatry Causes All Sin
The fundamental problem behind all sin is idolatry, placing something else above God.
The first two commandments focus on idolatry because it causes all other failures.
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Matt Smethurst distills over 40 years of Tim Keller's teachings into a structured exploration of the Christian life. The book examines Keller's insights on topics like prayer, suffering, friendship, vocation, and intimacy with God, situating them within the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Drawing from Keller's sermons, books, and interviews, Smethurst presents a practical guide for believers seeking to grow in their faith and apply gospel-centered principles to daily life.
Galatians
Scot McKnight
This commentary by Scot McKnight explores Paul's letter to the Galatians, emphasizing the Gospel message of the crucified Messiah and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding Christian morality. McKnight addresses the historical context of the letter, including the conflict over Torah observance among early Christian communities, and provides contemporary applications of the biblical text. The book is part of the NIV Application Commentary series, which aims to bring ancient messages into today's context for preachers, teachers, and students of the Bible.
This is a startling passage. The context is that the Galatians, who became Christians out of pagan backgrounds, are now falling under the influence of teachers who say, “It’s not enough just to believe in Jesus Christ. You also have to obey everything in the Bible.”
Paul says something here which is astounding. He says that if they do that, they will fall back under what he calls the slavery of the non-gods.
So we ask ourselves three questions: 1) what are the non-gods? 2) how do they enslave? and 3) how can we be free?
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on February 22, 1998. Series: Galatians: New Freedom, New Family. Scripture: Galatians 4:8-20.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life 
