April 14, 2014
APPROVAL OF MAN IS OFTEN AN ADDICTION, BUT THE ONLY REAL FREEDOM IS FOUND IN CHRIST.
Galatians 1:1–10
Jarid Ghaffari
Central Truth
Are you finding affirmation and identity in men or in God, the creator of the heavens and the earth? If the approval of men is of more importance, it's not Jesus Christ you're following.
Key Verse | Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)
Galatians 1:1–10
Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers 1 1:2 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 11 who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
No Other Gospel
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble 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 the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant 2 1:10 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface of Christ.
Dive Deeper | Galatians 1:1–10
It's incredible to sit back and read about all of Paul's journeys, one of the greatest evangelists of his time. A man who once found favor and worth in persecuting Christians was changed, and his heart was committed to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to bring others to know the freedom found in serving God alone. Paul faced many challenges along the way, persecuted in every city, yet he never lost hope in his call to live before his "audience of One," regardless of what others might have thought.
This passage hits home for me. Growing up in New York without an active father and living with a high-anxiety mother, I was part of a dysfunctional family that was anything but normal. I found much of my identity in the world. Women, drugs, stealing, lying, cheating -- however I could come out ahead, I did it. Through countless failures, lies, and mistakes I found my life spiraling out of control, often never knowing who I really was inside. It wasn't until a few years ago that I started to experience the freedom in serving Christ alone. While the fear of man still existed, I found strength in God's Word, which reminded me how much He really loves me. I learned that the once-little-boy-in-big-boy-clothes was loved, cherished, and valued in the eyes of his Creator.
I'm learning more and more each day to lean into community and confess my weaknesses, that I may find freedom from fearing man and seeking identity in the world around me and wholeheartedly serve God. I am grateful for the way God loves me and how He continues to grow me more and more into the image of His Son. It's a daily reminder that the exhausting pursuit of man's approval is bitter compared to the sweetness of freedom in Jesus Christ.
Discussion Questions
1. What fears are preventing you from finding freedom in Christ alone?
2. Are you reading and applying James 5:16 with trusted friends in your life who are pursuing Christ? It often feels uncomfortable, but I know from experience it will change your life.
3. Are you praying daily for God to change you and not just change your surroundings? Or are you continuously being swayed by man's deceitfulness?
4. Where do you need to uncover insecurities and imperfections in your life?
5. What does Proverbs 29:25 say about the fear of man?