Devo Aug 27 Galatians 1

1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through 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 our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according
to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever
and ever. Amen.
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in
the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there
is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the
gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to
you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9
As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you
a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying
to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant
of Christ.

Reflection
1. Paul greeted the Galatians (v1-5) and immediately launched a defense
of his gospel (v6-10). He received this gospel directly from
God (v11-23).
2. The gospel these false teachers taught to the Galatians was essentially
different from the Gospel of God (vv6-9). Paul said it’s no
gospel at all. Any message that tells us “try harder” is not good
news at all. No matter how hard we may try, we can never be
good enough to escape the bondage of “the present evil age.” Only
God’s grace, through the person of Jesus Christ, is truly Gospel
– “Good News.”
3. What are some ways the gospel is being distorted today? How can
you ensure that the gospel you believe and preach is the true gospel?
How can you increase your understanding of the gospel?
4. How might the way you present the gospel be different if you are
seeking the approval of people vs of God (v10)? Ask the Holy
Spirit to show you your true intention and pray for God’s forgiveness
and/or empowerment to bear truthful and fruitful witness for
Him.