As we begin the letter to the churches in Galatia, I want to make clear that I’m personally trying not to read ahead of each day. I am also trying to ignore information I know about this letter from prior readings, staying focused on the text before us each day. In doing so, I note these observations, not nearly an exhaustive list.
- A reason for the letter is Paul’s concern about the Galatians turning away from the gospel that Paul taught them.
- what is the gospel Paul preached?
- how does this new, non-gospel differ from what Paul preached?
- Paul is emphatic that it is the true gospel that counts, not who preaches it.
- It looks like those objecting to Paul’s gospel are dissing Paul by inferring that what he says is simply to please people. (Boy, does that sound wrong.)
- This true gospel was received by Paul directly from Christ.
- Paul is insistent that this gospel was not “tainted” by anyone else.
Paul takes advantage in all parts of his letter to deliver important truth. This truth strikes me …
3 Grace and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age according to the will of our God and Father, …
Galatian 1:3,4
We certainly live in our own present evil age.
The way I am doing the 5x5x5 is this: For each reading, I read and listen in several versions. I ask the Holy Spirit to show me one or two specific insights that speak to my life right now and that I can share on this blog and are helpful or interesting to at least one person. With these goals in mind, I read with much more focus and with an open, expectant mind/heart to what the Lord wants to show me. I read with anticipation, “What message/counsel/wisdom do you have for me today, Lord?” Sometimes if nothing jumps out at me, I pray, “Lord, if you want me see something and to share something on the blog today, you need to show me what it is!”
Thanks for sharing this. Anyone else care to share how they are approaching their reading?
There are so many tough things going on these days. Verse 1:3-4 “… Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age….” This brings me great comfort and thankfulness to Jesus who gave himself to rescue us. This relates to what we are studying In Sunday Class. We are studying 1 Peter. Jesus Christ is our Living Hope.