Read
Galatians 1-2
In your journal, write down the things that stick out to
you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led
(confession, thanksgiving, etc.).
Paul’s letter to the
Galatians is addressed to a group of churches in the region of Galatia
(modern-day Turkey). His authority as an apostle of Christ had been questioned
and his teaching challenged. The Galatian churches were under pressure from the
Judaizers – Jewish Christians who believed that Christians were required to
observe Old Testament laws, such as circumcision, to be saved. Paul saw that
people were under pressure to abandon the freedom of the Gospel for the chains
of legalism. However, before he could address the problems of false teaching,
Paul first had to re-assert his authority as one sent by God. He did so by
reminding the readers of his personal transformation (1:13-24) and demonstrating
that he is not acting out of fear of man, but submission to God (1:10,
2:11-14). This displays a stark contrast to the Judaizers who acted out of fear
of persecution (see 6:12).
Prayer
and Meditation
1.
Paul
had to make unpopular decisions in order to serve God. He risked his comfort
and reputation for the sake of Christ. Ask God how you’re doing in this area.
Let Him encourage you where you’ve already made sacrifices and challenge you in
areas where you need to surrender more for Him.
2.
Galatians
2:21 declares, “if keeping the law
could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.” Ask
God for greater insight into what this means for your life. Thank Him for
anything He reveals to you.
3.
Leading
the church is a difficult calling. Leaders often come up against opposition and
false doctrine, as we will continue to see in Paul’s letter to the Galatians.
Ask God how you can pray for our leaders at Southland, and spend some time
doing so.
