It Starts Small

Today we start the book of Galatians. Our study will examine small sections of scripture throughout the book. We will allow the Lord to lead us into a deeper understanding of His Word.

Galatians stands out as one of Paul’s remarkable epistles. It is a letter not directed to a singular individual or church. Instead, it is addressed to the vibrant tapestry of all the churches scattered throughout the magnificent region of Galatia. This land, once a significant part of Asia Minor, has evolved into what we now cherish as modern-day Turkey. In this powerful message, Paul’s fervor resonates deeply. He urges the believers to embrace the freedom and grace that define their faith. This is especially important amid the challenges they face.

1 Paul, an apostle—not from men or by man, but by 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 the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁴ who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. ⁵ To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Galatians 1:1-5

Paul an apostle

Paul begins each epistle with a compelling declaration. He aims to solidify his credentials. His goal is for his audience to not only listen but also act in accordance with his guidance. The driving force behind such statements is profound. While some may seek to assert their authority to command obedience for personal gain, others wish to elevate their own significance. Paul stands apart. His life and unwavering service reveal a man who never sought to enrich himself through his position. Yet, on occasion, he boldly highlighted his role. He did this not for self-aggrandizement but to inspire and empower individuals to fulfill their rightful commitments.

Later in the book of Galatians, Paul fervently dedicates himself to addressing this critical issue. He passionately defends his apostleship and the sacred authority that accompanies it, recognizing the gravity of the situation. Judaizers had infiltrated the Galatian churches, insidiously misleading the faithful with their false gospel. They strategically attacked Paul’s credentials. By trying to discredit him, they aimed to undermine the truth of the gospel he so fervently preached. If they could shake Paul’s credibility, they believed they could sway the hearts and minds of the people. They sought to convince them to turn away from the transformative teachings he had tirelessly shared.

Self Application:

We should do all things for the sake of the gospel. We should embrace a spirit of selflessness. This spirit inspires those around us. Our motivation should be the well-being of others. We should reflect a genuine concern for their needs and struggles. We should not exalt ourselves, as it often leads to division and conflict. We prioritize the greater good. This approach cultivates a supportive community where love and compassion flourish. Ultimately, this draws more people to the message we seek to share. In this way, our actions become a testament to our faith. They encourage others to join us. Together, we embark on a shared journey toward hope and healing.

Sent not from men or by men

Paul reminds the Galatians that, as an apostle, he was divinely sent by Christ Himself! His authority is not of human origin; it flows directly from the Almighty. His powerful message is not crafted by mere mortals; it is a divine revelation! They must heed his words, for he is the true representative of Jesus. To reject Paul is to reject Christ, for it was Christ who chose Paul for this sacred mission!

who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age

Here we witness one of the most profound motivations behind Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for us. He willingly endured unimaginable torment to rescue us. He did it to liberate us from the grasp of the wicked world’s system and its corrupt culture. Christ ignites a transformative power within us. This power enables us to resist the seductive temptations that surround us. These temptations come from both society and our peers. But what are some of the most insidious temptations that plague this dark age?

• Materialism
• Pursuit of pleasure
• Hedonism
• Lust

Imagine yourself aboard the Titanic, plummeting into the icy abyss as it sinks. You’re desperately clinging to life in the frigid water, with no land in sight. The urgency for rescue is palpable! Then, out of nowhere, a boat appears, and a compassionate soul urges you to climb aboard. You eagerly accept, feeling the warmth of a blanket enveloping you, a taste of salvation! Yet, in a bewildering twist, you peel off that comforting blanket. You yearn for the very water that almost claimed your life. Then, you leap back into its depths! This is the madness of our existence. After being rescued, we dive recklessly back into the snares of temptation. They surround us. It defies all logic! Yet, astonishingly, we find ourselves repeating this folly time and again.

Embrace the truth: let us allow Christ to liberate us from the treacheries of this world. Discover your joy, meaning, and purpose in Him alone, not in the fleeting allure of the life that encircles us!

To whom be the glory forever and ever

This attitude should be reflected in all we do. It should guide our actions and decisions in every aspect of our work, relationships, ministry and interactions. We must allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate a mindset that embraces godliness and righteousness. It should encourage collaboration and understanding among .the body of Christ. This approach will lead to greater success and cohesion within our homes, churches, families and communities. By consistently demonstrating this attitude, we can inspire others to adopt similar values.

³¹ So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

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Questions to Ponder:

• What can you learn from verse 1 about what an apostle is?
• Why does Paul start almost every one of his letters by identifying himself as an apostle?
• Who was he writing to? What do you know about Galatia and the church there?
• What did Jesus do for us? Why does Paul start almost every letter with a greeting and blessing?

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