------------------------- Sermon Outline------------------------------

I. Paul's Third Defense: A Litmus Test in Jerusalem (2:1-10)

   A. The Consequent Journey to Jerusalem: Paul's Second Trip (vv. 1-2)

   B. The Confrontation in Jerusalem: Titus and the Test Case (vv. 3-5)

    1. Circumcision and Titus (v. 3)

        a. Why physical circumcision?

           •    Circumcision served as a mark of God's covenant with Abraham

           •    Circumcision kept Israel Separate from the pagan nations around her

           •    Circumcision served as a reminder that sin is transmitted through the procreative act and that a blood sacrifice is needed to take away sin

           •    Circumcision prefigured and was fulfilled in the New Covenant

        b. Titus and the circumcision of the heart as a test case

    2. Christians In Name Only (v. 4)

 

   3. Celebrating the Freedom of the Gospel (vv. 4-5)