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Galatians launches with a bang! Paul’s ministry and message have been attacked. Is he a true apostle? Is his message the true gospel? Is Paul’s gospel too good to be true?
To begin, Paul could have simply written, ‘Paul, to the churches in Galatia: grace and peace.’ Since Paul wrote more than that, let’s be sure to notice all that he added.
In verses 1–2 he defends his ministry. He is a true apostle. He was not sent by other men, or even a specific man (i.e. a key leader in Jerusalem). No, Jesus Christ and the Father commissioned him. Also, Paul is not a maverick minister, for there are brothers with him.
In verses 3–5 he presents the truth of the gospel that he had preached among them. Notice four important ingredients in the gospel mix here:
- Sin is very serious. Everywhere we look, everything is shot through with evil. We are all sinners and we need to be rescued.
- What rescues us from this present evil age? It is the grace of God our Father and Jesus Christ who gave Himself for our sins. Paul could have chosen to expand on this: He came to earth, went to the cross, died the death we deserved, and rescued us from sin. The gospel is about the gracious plan of God the Father and the Son working together to rescue sinners.
- Notice in verse 5 that the grace of the Father and the Son working together results in all the glory going to God. The grace of God leads to the glory of God.
- Look for our role in the rescue. Look carefully. What do you see? There is absolutely nothing about us! The gospel is God’s grace at work. We don’t earn it, deserve it, work at it, or add to it. In Paul’s summary of the gospel we are simply recipients.
The gospel is all about the glorious grace of God that rescues sinners from evil. This was the message Paul preached in Galatia. His message transformed lives and established churches. Let’s pray that this message also truly grips us!
Reflection
How much does the gospel you believe depend on the grace of God? How much does it depend on you?
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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