Galatians

Galatians


What are the strengths and weaknesses of the church being written to? The Galatians had encountered a major flaw that threatened the very life-blood of the church. They had been easily swayed by visiting Jewish Christians (Paul doubted they were Christians at all), who taught these Gentile believers that they were still responsible to fulfill Jewish Law. This went against everything Paul had taught them of a life lived in grace by the power of the Spirit of God.

Yet this church also had a major strength; When Paul first came to them, he was ill "and they did not reject me because of the extra work to take care of me". In fact, they treated him as if he were "an angel from God." Gal. 4:12b-14.

What is the main idea of this epistle? The main idea Paul was trying to get across was that "Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don’t get tied up again to slavery and the law." Gal. 5:1. Some repeated ideas in the epistle were circumcision not of the flesh but the spirit; freedom to serve one another; faith expressing itself in love for one another. And even more "one anothers!"

What does the epistle show about the character and nature of God? Paul learned from Jesus Christ Himself these truths he is stating in this epistle to the Galatians. His passion shows something in this New Covenant that speaks of God’s unchangeableness. And the power in which this is a lifestyle bespeaks of God’s power. This power from God was the secret Paul knew from the core of his being.

Personal application: How differently this epistle affected me after learning about Paul’s background, especially in the areas he counted as rubbish compared to what he had gained in the revelation of Jesus Christ. Loss of family, reputation, and riches. I was also struck by his willingness to suffer for Jesus sake. His call was a radical one, I believe, and not one many are called to in this degree, but the passion in which he fulfilled God’s will should be the desire of every one of us who calls on the name of Jesus.

Point of Passion: There are times when I am interceding for others, that God will allow me to see His heart in the matter. This makes all the difference in how I pray. I use far less words. I think Paul lived in this realm on a continual basis. His epistles are short, precise, and entirely trustworthy.