1. Scripture Dive 📖
Paul opens this letter by establishing where his authority comes from, reminding the Galatians of the true gospel, and warning them about the danger of turning away from it. As you read, pay close attention to the contrast between pleasing people and serving Christ, and between the true gospel and a distorted one.
Galatians 1:1-10
1 ¶ 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 brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:
3 ¶ Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 ¶ I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
10 ¶ For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
2. Deep Reflection 🔎
The Purpose of the Letter
Before examining Paul’s warning, consider the larger question behind the letter: What is the gospel actually supposed to accomplish in our relationship with God?
- What is the purpose of this epistle?
- How can a man be right with God?
Consider: Psalm 130:3,4 / Romans 3:20-23 / Galatians 3:10 / Galatians 5:1 / Ephesians 2:8,9
Paul’s Authority and Greeting
Paul’s opening is more than a customary greeting. It immediately establishes the source of his authority and points the reader toward the Father and the Son.
- What’s significant about Paul’s greeting in vv 1-5?
The Danger of Drifting 🚨
Paul’s reaction is striking. He isn’t merely disappointed that the Galatians are confused. He says, “I marvel.” Their movement away from the truth was serious enough to demand an urgent response.
- Why did Paul ‘marvel’ in v. 6?
Consider: Acts 20:29,30 / 1 Corinthians 11:2,3,13 / Galatians 3:1 / Galatians 4:11
The Seriousness of a Different Gospel
Paul’s language becomes exceptionally strong when he addresses those who distort the gospel. This raises an important question about the responsibility of anyone who teaches or communicates God’s truth.
- According to vv. 8,9 who is under a curse? Why such strong language?
Consider: Matthew 7:15-20 / 2 Peter 2:1-3 / Jude 1:8-11
The Audience That Matters
The chapter closes by forcing a personal question: Whose approval are we ultimately living for?
Paul makes it clear that his calling cannot be governed by the desire to make people happy or gain their approval.
- Who is Paul seeking to please? What’s his ambition?
Consider: Proverbs 3:6 / Romans 1:1 / 2 Corinthians 5:9 / Philippians 3:9,10
3. Living It Out 🙌
Knowing the truth is one thing. Guarding it, living it, and faithfully communicating it is another.
Paul’s warning challenges us to examine whether we are merely familiar with the gospel or actively protecting its truth in our everyday lives.
Examine Yourself
Ask yourself:
- How vigilant should we be in standing for truth?
- How are we ‘guarding and giving’ the true gospel on a daily basis?
Consider: 2 Timothy 2:15,23-26 / 2 Timothy 4:2 / 1 Peter 3:15 / 1 John 4:1 / Jude 3,4
Make It Personal ❤️
Take a moment to consider where you may be vulnerable to compromise.
- Am I more concerned with pleasing people than pleasing Christ?
- Do I know the true gospel well enough to recognize a distorted version?
- Where might I be tempted to compromise truth for acceptance?
- What will I intentionally do this week to guard the gospel in my own life?
- Who might God be calling me to encourage, correct, or point back to the truth?
My Commitment
This week, I will choose to:
One truth from Galatians 1:1-10 that I need to hold onto is:
One action I will take to guard and give the true gospel is: