Galatians 1:11-17
Reflect
Yesterday was my son’s birthday. When does the cake fulfil its purpose? In the planning? The creating? The presentation? When the candles are blown out (do people still do that?)? No, the cake fulfils its purpose when it is eaten and enjoyed.
In verse 11, why does Paul differentiate between the gospel that was preached to him and man’s gospel? Perhaps man’s gospel was limited to Jesus dying on the cross to pay the price for your sin. Paul knows that is just the introduction and the Gospel is that those saved by grace through faith go and get involved in the advancement of the Kingdom.
Paul speaks from experience. Though “set apart” before birth (chosen long before the Damascus Road in Acts 22), Paul was called by grace (v15). That means all his persecution of the church is in between being chosen and being called. At no time does Paul indicate he was drawn to Jesus prior to his calling. It wasn’t his good behaviour that attracted Jesus (1Tim.1:13,16). No, in the providential timing of Jesus, Paul heard the calling, followed Jesus, and by dwelling in freedom, got on board with Jesus’ plan to change the world.
If you were the only Christian a person ever met, based on your influence, how would they describe the gospel?
What are the challenges to your life if all occurs by your free will? By God’s destiny?
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for our Prime Minister and Premier, Mayor Sohi, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to your mind.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Worship Ministries Assistant, Daniel Zander.