Listening to God - Galatians 1:11-17

Read Galatians 1:11-17

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

God's Gospel is not a new set of rules to live by but it is God's actions for us, through His son Jesus Christ.   Therefore our posture with God is to believe that His actions are good enough, and to receive from Him what He offers.

God's Gospel changes people when they connect with Him and hear Him, even those who are in opposition to His Gospel. 

When we have a significant spiritual encounter with God we are encouraged to spend some time in retreat, reflecting on its meaning and what it means for our lives.  

In this reading we are encouraged to see that:

  • the Gospel of God comes from His son Jesus, and is not another human way to relate to God.
  • God's Gospel is not simply another true way to live, but rather it is about what God has done, is doing and will do for us
  • God's Gospel can have a significant impact on people's lives, even changing them from enemies of the Gospel to proclaimers of the Gospel. 
  • when we have a significant encounter with God that we spend time in retreat, reflecting on what this means for our lives.
Some stuff to contemplate:

How does Galatians 1:11-17 affect how you see God, yourself, and how you see and will interact with others?

What does Galatians 1:11-17 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 1:11-17?

You can also read Luther's commentary on Galatians here

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