With my blog I knew I wanted to kind of go through books of the Bible and discuss what I am learning from them. And one book I have spent a while in recently has been Galatians! So I guess that is where I will start! I also just want to preface this by saying that I have no formal training in studying God's word. I usually like to go through a book on my own and then maybe pick up a commentary or read the notes in my study Bibles. I am by no means an expert and I will most likely get things wrong. That's why I let Anna proofread my articles so I can fix anything that is incorrect. I like to call her my "Heresy Detector" because she has such a strong foundation, thanks to her amazing parents who raised her right! Anyways, without any more rambling... let's dig in!
Paul, an apostle - not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead - and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. - Galatians 1:1-5
When I approach Paul's letter to the Galatians, I like to remember Paul's main reason for writing it. And that was to address the false teaching that had crept into Galatian churches. This teaching was that one had to be circumcised to be saved. The gospel had been distorted into something that we have to work for and be good enough for rather than humbly receive as a gift. And so that is the main scope which I am reading Galatians through.
As we look at verse 1 of Galatians chapter 1, we see who the letter is being written by. The author is Paul, which is clearly stated. Paul then goes on to explain the authority he has to write these things to the Galatians. We can see that Paul is an apostle, he is not from man but is sent from God. And even in introducing himself, Paul articulates gospel truths by stating that God the Father raised Jesus Christ from the dead!
In verse 2, Paul lets the Galatian churches know that he is not alone. And that they are not alone because of the family they have in Christ.
Now here is where it gets pretty fun! In verses 3-5, Paul actually gives a very short overview of the gospel! Verse 3 is Paul wishing grace and peace from the Father and Jesus Christ to be bestowed on them. And then picking up in verse 4, he begins a quick outline of the gospel! Paul states that Jesus Christ gave Himself (willingly) for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age. The present age is evil because it has been absolutely contaminated with sin. And Jesus' death has delivered us from that world. He then states that Jesus' death was according to the will of God. God had orchestrated and planned the death of His son Jesus, it was not accident. God was in control the whole time. And then we see that God deserves the glory for everything that has happened, forever and ever. The gospel isn't for us to receive glory, but only for God. Soli Deo Gloria. God's glory alone!
This was a very short article about the introduction, but I still think there is a lot to look at in the introduction. We can see that Paul was gospel focused even just in the introduction.Expelling sound doctrine straight from the beginning. And I think that is something that we should look up to in our lives. Is the gospel as important to us as it ought to be? If so, we should be living our life through the truths of the gospel, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness in everything we do!
Thanks for reading :)