a devotion based on Galatians 1:6-10.
Keith and Nathan take a few moments to get caught up on some of the busy activities that have kept us from doing a live show. Besides having a summer with kids in the house, Nathan has been busy with audio dramas, and his new position at clean fiction Magazine.
As we get ready for our main topic, are Retrobots want to pitch in with our devotional thoughts today. For your information, here is the devotion that are Retrobot David read in the episode:
Galatians 1:6-10 says, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one, we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!”
It’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends or fads, whether they are related to fashion, technology, or even spirituality. But in these verses, Paul reminds us that there is only one true gospel, and that we must remain steadfast in our faith and not be swayed by false teachings or beliefs.
It’s important to remember that the gospel is not just a set of beliefs, but a way of life. It’s a call to live in the grace of Christ, to be transformed by his love and to share that love with others. The gospel is not about following a set of rules or rituals, but about living in a relationship with God and allowing his grace to transform us from the inside out.
Paul warns us against those who would pervert the gospel and lead us astray. We must be discerning and test everything against the truth of God’s word. If anyone preaches a different gospel, let be under God’s curse. This may sound harsh, but it shows how serious Paul is about preserving the integrity of the gospel message.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be faithful and obedient to his teachings. We must not be swayed by the latest trends or the opinions of others, but remain grounded in the truth of God’s word. Let us pray that we will be able to discern false teachings and remain steadfast in our faith, so that we may continue to live in the grace of Christ and share his love with others.
Here are Keith’s outline and notes on Galatians 1:6-10.
Purpose 1.6-10
Perversion of the Gospel
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;
7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!
9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
- Turning away (v. 6)—This is better translated “deserting.” The Greek word was used of military desertion which was punishable by death. The form of this Greek verb indicates that the Galatians believers were voluntarily deserting.
- so soon (v. 6)—This Greek word can mean either “easily” or “quickly” and sometimes both.
- called you (v. 6)—This could be translated “who called you once and for all” and refers to God’s effectual call to salvation.
- grace of Christ (v. 6)—God’s free and sovereign act of mercy in granting salvation
- different gospel (v. 6)—the Judaizers’ perversion of the true gospel; they added standards of the old covenant as necessary prerequisites to salvation.
- trouble (v. 7)—The Greek word could be translated “disturb” and means “to shake back and forth” meaning to agitate or stir up.
- the gospel of Christ (v. 7)—the good news of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone
- we, or an angel from heaven (v. 8)—Paul’s point is hypothetical, calling on the most unlikely examples for false teaching—himself and holy angels.
- let him be accursed (v. 8)—The translation of this Greek word refers to devoting someone to destruction in eternal hell
- anyone (v. 9)—Paul turns from the hypothetical case of verse 8 to the real situation faced by the Galatians. The Judaizers were doing just that and were to be devoted to destruction
Evaluate teachers. Compare the real gospel to their teaching. Those not teaching the gospel, including Paul are worthy of eternal condemnation.
Other Verses to consider: Acts 9:1-15; Acts 13:14-14:23; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-9; Acts 2:22-23; Rom. 8:3-4, 31-32; Eph. 1:7, 11; Heb. 10:4-10)
Additional remarks:
In Paul’s letter to the church at Rome, he expounds on many of the same theological issues as in Galatians. Read Romans 3:19-28 for more insight about works and grace.Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:01 — 55.9MB)
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