April 15, 2014
YOO-HOO . . . GOD IS CALLING!
Galatians 1:11–24
Shelly Mueller
Central Truth
Paul had a divine revelation from God that turned him away from his former life. He had a direct call to proclaim the true gospel to the Gentiles. As believers, we are also to place ourselves in the center of God's will, serving and proclaiming the gospel.
Key Verse | Galatians 1:15–17
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. (Galatians 1:15-17)
Galatians 1:11–24
Paul Called by God
11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. 1 1:11 Greek not according to man 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, 2 1:15 Greek set me apart from my mother's womb and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to 3 1:16 Greek in me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 4 1:16 Greek with flesh and blood 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
Dive Deeper | Galatians 1:11–24
Our family changed significantly this year. We grew closer to God and to each other. We learned what a blessing it is to really slow down and share life with others. And, we became more purposeful in telling others of God's perfect love for them!
In his letter, Paul talks of how his life was dramatically changed when he met the risen Lord on the way to Damascus. He was previously a fanatic Jew, a pious Pharisee who persecuted the Christian church. Once he had this divine revelation, he also knew he had a divine calling to tell Gentiles the gospel of Christ. He says he was commissioned straight from God. In verses 15-16 he says that God, "who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles . . . ."
We may not have the exact same calling of ministry as Paul, but we are called to place ourselves in the center of God's will and to be equipped for serving and sharing God's Word. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells us to go and make disciples of the nations.
Paul also defends the gospel and the pureness of his preaching to the Galatians. Earlier in the chapter it says that some were trying to confuse people by changing the gospel of Christ. We also need to know and study the Word so that we can share and follow it accurately. You may have heard Todd Wagner say, "If it's not in the Word, forget what you heard."
Our oldest son says in his testimony that there was a time he thought being a "true follower" of Christ meant giving up fun. He was confused at the goodness God wants for our lives. He later learned that God's love is good and faithful and that really following Him is where true life is lived.
Paul had Christ, the Living Word, speak directly to him, while we have the written Word. It's up to us to know it and share it with others!
Discussion Questions
1. Do you sometimes let your own fear of inadequacy or of being bold keep you from doing something in which God's glory can be revealed?
2. Are you equipping yourself by studying Scripture so that you can share the gospel with others?
3. Are you purposeful in working in ministries in church or externally?
4. Is your life at a pace that you can love others well and truly share life with them?