GALATIANS 1 v. 6 – 9
‘I am astounded that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
As we have said before, so I say again now, if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed.’
As we shall see during this letter, Paul’s ‘charge’ is that the Galatian church has been taken off course by those (with a Jewish background and motivation) who wish to add to the gospel of Christ, the gospel of grace, by adding Jewish laws, traditions and expectations, including circumcision. This is no gospel at all, according to Paul.
The gospel at its heart is simple – it’s all of God’s grace, and none of our doing. But, habitually, we can all find ourselves drifting back into a non-gospel which relies upon our efforts, our achievements, our trying to make God love us, or even to make God owe us His favour.
PRAYER
(from the hymn ‘Rock of Ages’)
Not the labours of my hands can fulfill Thy law’s commands
Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow
All for sin could not atone, Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling
Naked, come to Thee for dress, helpless look to Thee for grace
Foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Saviour, or I die.
AMEN.
CHALLENGE
Keep asking yourself, ‘Is God’s grace sufficient for all my needs,
or am I adding to what is expected of me / required by me?’
Then ask God, by His Spirit, to help you live by the gospel of grace alone.
‘In Christ alone my hope is found’.