1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
REFLECTION
- Paul greeted the Galatians (v1-5) and immediately launched a defense of his gospel (v6-10). He received this gospel directly from God (v11-23).
- The gospel these false teachers taught to the Galatians was essentially different from the Gospel of God (vv6-9). Paul said it’s no gospel at all. Any message that tells us “try harder” is not good news at all. No matter how hard we may try, we can never be good enough to escape the bondage of “the present evil age.” Only God’s grace, through the person of Jesus Christ, is truly Gospel – “Good News.”
- What are some ways the gospel is being distorted today? How can you ensure that the gospel you believe and preach is the true gospel? How can you increase your understanding of the gospel?
- How might the way you present the gospel be different if you are seeking the approval of people vs of God (v10)? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you your true intention and pray for God’s forgiveness and/or empowerment to bear truthful and fruitful witness for Him.
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv3-5 only.)
Getting to know Mom & Dad: Conduct an interview of Mom and Dad by your children on how you became Christians. Encourage children to include questions such as “what was you like before you became a Christian, how did you become a Christian, what happened after you became a Christian”. Record the interview in your Family Devotional Journal. Ask an older child to pray thanking God for parent’s experiences of becoming Christians.
Proverbs for Today 20:25-27
25 It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”
and to reflect only after making vows.
26 A wise king winnows the wicked
and drives the wheel over them.
27 The spirit[f] of man is the lamp of the Lord,
searching all his innermost parts.