Paul Fights for Truth

 

Every Sunday I am meeting with team members for Zion’s Sunday launch. I thought it would be cool for others to be able to follow along with us. When starting a church, building a culture that is grounded is critical. I am praying that even in our very early stages God can begin to form a community that truly glorifies Him. Any comments or questions on this devotional, feel free to leave them below! I know the scripture piece is a bit long, but you have a whole week to go through it :). At the end of each post there will be reflection questions and a prayer. Thanks for journeying with us!

Read the scripture here: Galatians 1:1 – 2:14

Paul opens up the book of Galatians pissed. I cannot think of a better way to describe it. The Galatian church has been giving into a deceptive lie. Paul preached the gospel to them and people came in afterwards and altered part of it. We may be thinking after reading this passage: “It didn’t seem major, what’s the big deal?” To Paul, even a slight change to the Gospel is horrifying and the people who are responsible should be ‘accursed’. Really strong language.

What was changed? Why was it such a big deal?

According to the alternate preachers, Jesus was still Lord, He still was raised from the dead, and He was coming again. But there was something added: people could obtain righteousness by following rules. Specifically these preachers wanted the non-Jew converts to follow Jewish customs. Paul freaked out. He freaked out so much that he publicly shamed Peter on his hypocrisy. PETER! Like THE Peter. The one who walked on water, preached the first message in Acts where thousands received Christ in a day, and whose shadow was healing people.

Pretty crazy.

But that is how strongly Paul felt about even the slightest alteration to the gospel. Because ultimately, it would take people’s eyes off Christ as the true savior and the gospel would be lost to a person-centric one that had no power for salvation.

STUDY QUESTIONS:

Am I careful of who I let speak into my life?
How have I changed the gospel to benefit myself?
What is the gospel?

PRAYER:

Father, thank you for men and women who are passionate about your truth.
I ask you fill my relationships with these people. People who are unafraid to speak what I may not want to hear. Show me where in my heart I have allowed lies about you and your good news to creep in. I ask for strength to follow Your truths, whether it is comfortable or not.
Amen.