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In this section, Paul wants to contrast two types of Christian ministry. He contrasts his own gospel work with the law-heavy shepherding of the other group. He wants the Galatians to play ‘spot the difference’. There are two types of ministry and the two types of fruit are starkly different.
When Paul went to Galatia, he became like the people there (v. 12). He appropriately conformed his life to theirs so that he could win them with the gospel (see also 1 Cor. 9:19–23). In fact, Paul apparently stopped in Galatia because of some illness that curtailed his travel plans. In his weakness, he boldly gave himself away as he preached the gospel to them (v. 13). His difficulty was a real gift to them, though, because he brought the message of Christ Jesus. Their response? They were filled with joy and ready to give of themselves for him, if only they could (v. 15).
Love and joy are the first two descriptions in the list of the fruits of the Spirit (mentioned in the next chapter). The gospel of Christ Jesus transformed lives in Galatia! But now Paul is perplexed (v. 20). The Galatians have traded in the wonder of the gospel for the liabilities of the alternative law-based system of godliness. Now when Paul communicates the truth to them, they treat him as an enemy (v. 16).
The men who were teaching a different gospel had a very different ministry profile. They were flattering the Galatians, but only so that the Galatians would make a big deal of them (v. 17). Paul longed to be with the Galatians again so that he could speak with a tender tone. Paul was not driven by a need for the Galatians to ‘like him’, but he called for them to ‘become like him’. More than that, his great goal was for Christ to be formed in them (v. 19).
The false teachers wanted to be liked, to get a loyal following, to control the people. When the law is used to shepherd a church, we will always see behaviour police patrolling the pews. When the law reigns over a group of God’s people, self-giving love will fade away, joy will evaporate and devotion to God as Abba will shift into a colder variation.
Reflection
Which type of ministry do you see in the church today? Which type do you see in your own heart, and practise?
Scripture
About this Plan
Paul wrote the book of Galatians to Christians who were tempted to add good works to the gospel. Although we might not want to admit it, adding to the gospel is a great temptation for us too. So be encouraged as Peter Mead takes us through these devotions, be reminded that Christ is everything, and that the gospel is all we need for our lives now in Jesus.
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