Get the appGalatians 18-Day Reading PlanSample
Have you ever taken matters into your own hands? Tried to fix, force, or maybe even fudge something to get your way? Ever tracked a shipment to figure out where it is? The anticipation can feel lethal at times. You’re tired of waiting, so you plot and scheme a plan to intercept the UPS truck so you can get your package sooner than promised. The same kind of thing happened here in the story of Abraham and Sarah.
God promised to give Abraham a son. Abraham and his wife Sarah laughed when they heard this as they were very old when God made them this promise. Eventually, Sarah grew tired of the waiting and took matters into her own hands. Sarah told her servant, Hagar, to become pregnant by her husband in hopes of having a family sooner than later. Hagar gave birth to a son, Ishmael. Eventually, God gave Sarah and Abraham the child He promised they would have together, Isaac (Genesis 16, and 21).
The birth of Sarah’s son, Isaac, represented a promise made by God through the work of the Spirit.
Hagar’s son, Ishmael, represented a human effort to try to get what they wanted when they wanted it.
Paul reminds the church of Galatia of this story because he knew they were trying to earn favor with God through works: Following rules, saying the right words, doing the right things. No human action, effort, or plan can bring the promise God made. God’s promise was fulfilled through His gift, Jesus.
Much like the church in Galatia, we can feel the similar pressure when it comes to our faith. The pressure to keep up appearances, try harder, and follow the rules. God’s promise to us isn’t dependent on actions, good deeds, and what certain words you do or don’t say.
In Jesus, we are children of God’s promise (vs 28). Because we live our lives in light of God’s promise, we don’t have to ascribe to a list of rules and regulations. We can live knowing we please God because we believe His promise and follow His son, Jesus.
Questions
What pressure of keeping any rules is keeping you from experiencing God’s promise?
Are you trying to please God by your actions?
Do you believe that your belief in Jesus is enough to receive the promises of God?
About this Plan
Take 18 days and study the letter to the Christians in Galatia from the Apostle Paul. In this six chapter book, the Apostle Paul points out the false belief that better behavior makes you a better Christian, and reminds all of us of the truth of the Gospel message.
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