Galatians 18-Day Reading PlanSample

Paul begins his final words to the Galatians emphatically, “Notice what large letters I use…” Some scholars believe this was due to Paul’s aging years and dwindling eyesight, others believe that, after his Road to Damascus experience where God blinded him, Paul was left with poor eyesight, which became a constant reminder of what God did to transform his life. However, Paul would have gladly exchanged physical eyesight to gain spiritual insight. Whatever the motive or cause of Paul’s words, it is fair to say he was calling attention to his final statement to the Galatians. He was saying IN ALL CAPS, “Stop trying to perform and look good, and learn to lean into the message of the cross.” What does that look like or even mean?

The message of Jesus and the cross is believing that the hard work of salvation and being made right with God was done for us. Jesus did the heavy lifting, the impossible part. We cannot read enough books, go to enough meetings, kick enough bad habits, make enough sacrifices, or do enough good deeds to bring about our own salvation; only the work of the cross frees us from the burden and pressure of trying to do enough good to save ourselves. 

Paul wanted to be explicitly clear on this point. If any words from his letter were going to be remembered, he wanted this final thought to linger, “Jesus will transform you into a new creation.” You cannot clean-up or change yourself, and if others do see your life changing for the better, you cannot even take credit or brag about it, because Jesus is the one who made it possible.  Even the scars on Paul’s body do not speak of Paul’s strength, but of God’s. Scars from persecution, flogging, jail time, and maybe even scars in his eyes from being blinded were markers of God and God’s grace enabling Paul to live through trials and tribulation. Paul is reminding all believers that even in hard moments of suffering, it is worth it to follow Jesus and be made new. 

Question

In what ways do you still try to prove yourself to other people through performance or works?