But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. . . . It came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. GALATIANS 1:11–12
REFLECTION
In one sense, life is all about our interaction with God. Some of us have run from him in the past. Others of us are finding our way back to him. What is your unique faith story?
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SITUATION
Now that Paul has gotten his readers' attention with his opening remarks, he begins to set out the case for the true gospel of grace that he presented when he was with them. To do this, he will draw on examples from his past in Judaism and show how the process of how he went from being a fierce persecutor of the church to a set-apart minister to the Gentiles (non-Jews). Paul rehearses these particular incidents to show that he did not receive this gospel of grace from any person, but in truth, received it directly from God.
[Your Response Here]
OBSERVATION
Read Galatians 1:11-24
EXPLORATION
1. How does Paul describe the gospel that he preached to the Galatian believers?
[Your Response Here]
2. Why was Paul an unlikely candidate for becoming a Christian-much less God's appointed missionary to the Gentiles (see Acts 9:1-20)?
[Your Response Here]
3. Why does Paul make such a big deal about not getting advice or help from any person (or persons) after his conversion?
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4. What does Paul's testimony reveal about God's patience and mercy?
[Your Response Here]
5. When did Christ first become real to you more than just a name or an idea?
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6. Why do you think people get so fanatical about religion? How can you tell when zeal and passion have crossed over the line into fanaticism?
[Your Response Here]
INSPIRATION
Guilt sucks the life out of our souls. Grace restores it. The apostle Paul clung to this grace. To the same degree that he believed in God's sovereignty, he relied on God's mercy.
No one had more reason to feel the burden of guilt than Paul did. He had orchestrated the deaths of Christians. He was an ancient version of a terrorist, taking believers into custody and then spilling their blood. "Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison" (Acts 8:3).
In addition, he was a legalist to the core. Before he knew Christ, Paul had spent a lifetime trying to save himself. His salvation depended on his perfection, on his performance. "If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless" (Philippians 3:4- 6).
Paul had blood on his hands and religious diplomas on his wall. But then came the Damascus road moment. Jesus appeared. Once Paul saw Jesus, he couldn't see anymore. He couldn't see value in his résumé anymore. He couldn't see merit in his merits or worth in his good works anymore. He couldn't see reasons to boast about anything he had done anymore. And he couldn't see any option except to spend the rest of his life talking less about himself and more about Jesus. (From Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado.)
REACTION
7. What situations in your own life are proof that God doesn't give up on his children?
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8. What features of the Christian faith indicate it obviously wasn't fabricated by humans?
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9. How zealous are you? If you've lost your passion for Christ, how can you get it back?
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10. Scholars believe Paul spent his time in Arabia in study, reflecting, and preparing for the message he would share. How do you find time for reflection amid your busy life?
[Your Response Here]
11. Paul emphasizes how his experience with God was direct and not mediated through other people. How much of your knowledge of God is based on first-person experience?
[Your Response Here]
12. Paul's conversion resulted in a dramatic transformation that had every- one buzzing. What have been the most significant changes in your life since you met Christ?
[Your Response Here]
LIFE LESSONS
It's often said, "The Lord works in mysterious ways." How true. Start with the gospel of grace. Are we to believe God offers enemies of the gospel unconditional pardon and adoption into his family? Or that heaven's most glorious riches are lavished on the least deserving? It all reads like a fairy tale. And it gets even wilder. God announces his intention to partner with the likes of us so others can experience his love and grace. He could use angels or employ supernatural means, but instead he uses us. And what do we do? Mostly, we stumble and fall and fail. Yet the Lord never gives up on us and never aborts his plan. He works in us, and through us, despite us. The villains become the heroes. What a mystery! What a miracle! What a God we serve!
DEVOTION
Father, you amaze us. Thank you for the beauty and power of the gospel that you have given to us. We open our hearts to you today and invite you to work through us. Transform us. Make our lives a continual tribute to your goodness and grace.
JOURNALING
How do you react when you consider the type of grace that God is offering to you today?
