Galatians 1:1-5

                                                                         Galatians 1:1-5

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.

Galatia is one of the first areas where Paul planted churches.  These churches were under heavy influence from the Jewish community and were facing challenges to the doctrine of justification by faith.  The Jews were attempting to make obedience to the Law a prerequisite to salvation.  Paul writes to clarify theses all important questions.  In this introduction Paul wants to be sure to establish his apostolic authority and to remind his readers of the blessings they had received in Christ. 

 

PAUL’S POSITION: Paul is an apostle and wants the church he is about to write to know it.  This was not a position that was voted on by men or established by human leaders.  He was an apostle by the will and calling of God.  The same Person that raised Christ from the dead called Paul to be an apostle.  Paul is also accompanied by a group of men who have been traveling throughout Macedonia and Achaia preaching the Gospel and planting churches in the midst of great suffering.  Paul wants to make sure that the church is not turning from the truths that he had sacrificed so much to establish.

 

GALATIA’S GIFTS: The gift of salvation is deliverance from sin.  Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are set free from the penalty of sin and the power of sin over their lives.  In a world where sin dominates so many and influences so much of the world around us, it is a blessing to know that we have been set free from that bondage through faith in the Gospel.  As a result, our lives as believer, should be characterized by grace and peace.  Salvation is never by human merrit, it is always only by the grace of God.  This grace is also the experience of our daily walk with God.  The only means by which we can cope with the struggles of life is the grace of God.  Due to God’s grace, we can also experience peace in every aspect of our lives no matter how difficult the circumstance.  Because of the cross, we have peace with God which opens up the opportunity to experience the peace of God.  This is God’s will for our lives and should lead us to live for His honor and glory.  

 

APPLICATION: God has given each of us responsibilities within the kingdom.  Though we are not apostles, we do have an important position in the work God is doing in the body of Christ.  This is only by God’s grace.  Since we have been delivered from the power of this sinful world, we must learn to walk in obedience and purity before Him.  Our lives should be marked by peace as we live intentionally and unconditionally focused on His grace and live for His glory.

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