https://esv.literalword.com/?q=isa+39%3B+2+Galatians+1
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Wednesday, 14 June 2023:
Isaiah 39:7, 8 – “And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my days.”
In his pride, Hezekiah set the stage for the kingdom’s destruction, but when he learned of the inevitable consequences, his response reveals his selfish, self-centered heart. This once noble, courageous, god-fearing king became totally self-absorbed, only concerned about his own glory and his own security, caring little for his family or for anyone else who depends upon him. This is a Biblical warning to the reader. It is not how you start that matters, it is how you finish.
Galatians 1:1 — Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.
Don’t miss this important them in Galatians 1: God, not men, calls, commissions, and empowers His servants. Many attempt to serve as an intermediary between God and people. They do not have the authority to do so. You have direct, personal access to God and have as much access to the leading of the Holy Spirit as anyone else. You do not need a degree from an institution or special rights administered to you by another person. All authority belongs to Jesus, and he appoints and equips people directly. Yes, you can learn from more mature Christians, but your Counsellor and Guide is the Holy Spirit. You are an Ambassador for Christ, not because you were chosen by men, but because you were chosen by God. Proclaim what you know about Jesus to others today!
Galatians 1:6,7,9 — 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— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ…. If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
Another critical theme: Many, sometimes well meaning, people are distorting the Gospel and preaching a false gospel by mixing it with popular philosophy. The Good News is Jesus and salvation through Him alone. However, many are preaching hope in other things — psychology, self-help techniques, positive thinking, bright ideas, “common sense”, etc. Many are trying to turn the Bible into a self-help book and mix it with quotes from modern, secular gurus who also offer a hope apart from Jesus. We are Ambassadors of Christ, not today’s version of morality or human wisdom. We cannot use various techniques to save ourselves. We need Jesus. The Good News of Jesus is that we can have Jesus and salvation through him alone. Don’t mix messages. Preach Jesus only!
Galatians 1:7 — There is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
Nothing has changed. Understand that many “teachers” of God’s word distort the Gospel. You are called to carefully study your Bible to test every spoken word of people. The Holy Spirit is your teacher. Every other Christian is just a student like you, some good students, some bad. Some who are in the class are really not students at all.
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.”
False teachers seek the approval of men. Some of these false teachers convince others that they need their approval to be a disciple or Ambassador. Your authority comes straight from God and God alone. Don’t let institutions set up false barriers to your relationship with Jesus, to your growth in Him, and to your witness. Learn from others, but don’t be limited by others.
“At times you will have to make a choice between pleasing God and pleasing those around you, for God’s ways are not man’s ways (Isa. 55:8-9). As important as it is to strive for good relations with others, it is even more important to maintain a steadfast and obedient relationship with Christ. Disobeying God to keep peace with other people is never wise. Peace with God is always paramount.
Jesus warned that obeying Him might cause division in your relationships (Matt. 10:35-36). If Paul’s primary goal had been to please others, he would never have become an apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul went completely against the wishes of his colleagues in order to obey Christ. At times, obedience to God sets family members at odds with each other (Matt. 10:35-36). When you follow Jesus’ Lordship, your family may misunderstand, or even oppose you, yet your obedience to God reflects your identity as His child. Jesus said that those who obey His will are His brothers and sisters (Luke 8:21). God does not intend to divide the home, but He places obedience before domestic harmony.
It is important to get alone in quietness with God so that you understand what pleases Him. The world’s thinking will mislead you more easily when you are not clear about what God desires. It broke Peter’s heart to know that the opinion of a servant girl had mattered more to him than the approval of his Lord! If the desire to appease others tempts you to compromise what you know God wants you to do, learn from Peter’s mistake. Determine that you will please your Lord regardless of the opinions of others.” (Henry T. Blackaby)
Galatians 1:12 — For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Institutions or other people do not distribute the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ reveals Himself to faithful followers.
Galatians 1:13 — For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.
Following the teachings of the most brilliant men in the church, Paul was working diligently and effectively but directly against the will of Jesus.
Galatians 1:14 — So extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.
Church or national traditions, long accepted for generations, can be a very dangerous thing. The word of God alone, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is our guide for life. Test everything against God’s word.
Galatians 1:15-16 — 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.
God chooses to reveal His Son to whomever He chooses, and those He chooses, He chooses for an earthly purpose — to preach the Good News of Jesus to others. Don’t wait for some sort of validation from others. Preach now what God has revealed to you and grow in the word over time.
Galatians 1:22 — And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.
You don’t need to be well known or accepted to be used by God powerfully. You don’t need the approval of people to serve God today. You just need to yield to the Holy Spirit.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 14 June 2023: Preach Jesus only today. If you want to give someone advice, point them to Jesus. (Galatians 1:6,7,9)
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 