Day 540: Galatians 1- Gospel Approval

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.
No Other Gospel6 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.
Paul Called by God11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel, 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
 
Meditation
God approves of you in Jesus. God wants you to find security in His love, freedom from the bondage of people pleasing. The gospel invites you to rest in God’s gracious approval.
 
Are you seeking the approval of people, trying to please them, or are you living from the approval of God, for His glory (10)?
 
The gospel message comes from God (1, 11, 12), is centered on the work of God in Christ (2-4), is for all who believe (15-16), and compels God’s people to live for the glory of God in all of life.
 
The Galatians began believing a different message, turning from the grace of God in Christ and turning to a faith in personal piety and performance (6).  It is foolish to think we are born by the Spirit but continue our Christian life in the flesh (3:3). Why do people turn from the gospel of grace and focus on religious work and regulations? We fear people’s opinions more than finding security in the grace of God.
 
The gospel invites us to turn from our insecurity manifest in people pleasing to trust the secure love of God in Christ. The grace of Christ offers forgiveness and freedom!
 
Richly Dwelling
-Do you live for the approval of people or for the glory of God? What does that lead to in your heart of hearts?
 
-Do you believe you are approved before God through the finished work of Jesus Christ? Why or why not?
 
-Freedom from the approval of people frees us for the call of God on our lives, living for His glory in all of life. Paul was called to preach the gospel to the gentiles (15, 16). What are you called to? Are you being held back by the approval and opinion of others? Be free to be a servant of Jesus!
 
Key Verse
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.