Listening to God: Day 1- Galatians - 1:1-5

Read Galatians 1:1-5

Background to Galatians

Galatians is a letter written by St Paul to early Christian communities, that consist of  Jewish and Gentile converts.   Some of the Jewish converts were insisting that all people including Gentiles must follow Mosaic Laws, including dietary, festival and circumcision laws.   

As you read consider - 

• What stood out for you in this reading?
• What is God saying about what He has done, is doing or will do?
• How does the actions of God affect you and live with others?
• What questions does the reading bring up for you?

Pastor Richard's reflection

An important aspect of today's reading is to see Paul (and all others disciples of Jesus) as being ultimately sent by God

God's grace and therefore His Gospel, which is the actions of Jesus is the main thing for the Christian community.   It is God alone who rescues us and gives us life, and this will always be the case.

In this reading we are encouraged to see that:

• everyone who is a true disciple of Jesus, including ourselves, are sent by God and therefore called to share who God's  message
• God's graceful Gospel is the most important aspect and message of being a Christians
• The Gospel is God's actions that has lifegiving consequences

Some stuff to contemplate:

How does Galatians 1:1-5 affect how you see God, yourself, and how you see and will interact with others?

What does Galatians 1:1-5 call you to talk to God (pray) about?  (Thanksgiving, more insight, help, forgiveness...)

What do you think is worthwhile sharing with someone from what God has told you in Galatians 1:1-5?

You can also read Luther's commentary on Galatians here