Written around A.D. 52 Paul’s epistle to the Galatians is a passionate letter aimed at bringing believers back on track with the one and only gospel.
A circular letter intended for the Christians in Galatia, an Asia Minor province in the highlands of central Anatolia in modern day Turkey, Galatians reiterates the fact salvation stems from faith and not of works.
At the time it was written by Paul believers throughout Galatia has been giving in to false teaching brought on by the enemy. Cohered in reverting to the law, Galatians had been relying on works as a gateway to eternal life rather than faith alone.
This letter showcases Paul’s intent for Christ’ church t be based on God’s perfect concept, that salvation comes by faith and sanctification through works.
Paul open this letter with a typical greeting, identifying himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
“1 Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers with me, To the churches in Galatia.” (Galatians 1:1-2)
In his greeting to the Galatians Paul gives glory to God and mentions the fact Jesus’ sacrifice was to allow for deliverance from the present evil age, true today just as it was then.
“3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1:3-5)
An obvious difference between this introduction versus Paul’s other letters to the churches of Asia Minor is the omission of a thanksgiving section in which the apostle praise God for his audience. The severity of the issue in Galatia must have prompted Paul to skip this prologue and get right to the point.
“6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:6-7)
Paul jumps right in to the topic that led to his writing this letter, believers falling to false teaching, that of a different gospel which he refers to as not worthy of the name “gospel”. The apostle write about this false gospel and the fact it would lead believers to confusion and perversion.
Paul then states that anyone preaching anything other than the word of God would be hell bound, to be condemned for all eternity, found guilty of blasphemy against the one and only God almighty.
“8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!” (Galatians 1:8)
Feeling the need to reinforce the severity of God’s punishment upon those who falsely teach from a different gospel, Paul repeats the wrath to those who violate the truth found in the gospel of Jesus Christ, that salvation comes by faith alone. Anyone that teaches otherwise will be cast in to the lake of fire to burn for all eternity.
“9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!” (Galatians 1:9)
The apostle then addresses the concept of approval, that it should come from our heavenly father and not men. What good is approval from men compared to divine approval? Based on this Paul explained his motivation was driven by faith which leads to eternal life rather than popularity in this life which leads to death.
“10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)
By boldly rebuking the Galatian church through this letter Paul allow all believers to be empowered by the ultimate truth, that salvation comes from faith in Jesus Christ and that sanctification is a result of works.
This is sound teaching to abide by and to spread throughout all the earth as we continue to walk the narrow path that leads to eternal life. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
