SCRIPTURE: Galatians 1:1-10

OBSERVATION:
Paul is very upset about what has happened to the Galatian believers. He is “astonished” that they are “deserting” God, that someone is “confusing” them by “perverting” the message of Jesus. Then twice he declares those who do this “eternaly condemned”. He does not care what they think, because he serves God and Jesus Christ, not people. This is why he begins his letter establishing his calling from God and Jesus Christ. Paul’s extreme response reflects how serious and important the true message of Jesus is – let no one mess with it!

APPLICATION:
How passionate am I about the message of Jesus. Do I sense that THIS is my calling, to spread the true message of grace in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Do I spend more time trying to please the Lord, or to please people. How do we distort or pervert the message of Jesus? Do we lay extra burdens on people? Do we judge people by what they do, say or wear? If the heart of the message is grace, is that the heart of my message? Is that what my actions communicate?

PRAYER:
Lord, help me to be as passionate about Your grace as Paul was, know what is at stake when people mess it up. I know that I am not fully clear on what Your message means, so please help me know and experience the wonder of Your grace! Amen.