Over the last few verses in
the first chapter of Galatians, we have studied the measures Paul the
apostle has taken to be certain that the churches of Galatia know
from where he stands concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because
Judaizers have infiltrated the church and are preaching a gospel of
works and obedience to the law, Paul found it necessary to address
their teachings. In verses eight and nine of the first chapter, Paul
went so far as to desire that those who promote these other teachings
be accursed, and in verse ten he stated his desire to please God
rather than men. In verse eleven we see Paul turn to the source of
his gospel where we read:
But I certify you,
brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Paul
begins with the word, “But”.
Whenever we see the word “but” in the Bible we can be assured
that the word or words that follow it take precedent over the words
before. For example, in the gospel of John in chapter sixteen and
verse thirty three Jesus said, “These things I have
spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you
shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I
have overcome the world.” In
other words, there will be bad things that occur in the world, “but”
Jesus has over come them. Jesus' overcoming takes precedent over
anything we might face in the world. Paul previously made a statement
about pleasing God rather than men, and in comparison to where these
false teachers received their doctrine, Paul said, “But
I certify you, brethren” which
means he wants them to know, recognize, gain knowledge of, and be
informed that what he is about to say takes precedent over them.
Paul continued, “that the gospel
which was preached of me is not after man.” Paul
had the privilege of hearing his gospel directly from God, and he
preached no other gospel than the one he heard. Often men will gather
together and brainstorm their ideas of how people should or should
not follow God, and their ideas are many times off track. However,
Paul sat under the tutelage of Jesus Christ, and as one born out of
due season, he received the gospel of Jesus Christ directly from Him.
We shall read more about this in later verses within this chapter,
but suffice it to say that the origin of Paul's doctrine was superior
to the ones being promoted by the Judaizers of that day. Paul's words
are urgent, and their importance is transcendent if the church
members in Galatia are to continue in the true doctrine of grace.
What
is the source of our gospel? Is it others and their opinions? Is it
from the news, magazines or books? Where do we receive the
information that becomes doctrine within our lives? Perhaps as we
consider the defense that Paul makes for the origins of his doctrine
we will examine the source of ours, and when we do, if it is other
than the Holy Spirit of God in agreement with His word, maybe we will
alter our minds to be set upon the teachings of God rather than upon
the teachings of men.
Next
time we see more about where Paul received his gospel, so read ahead,
and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look for
the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to
Generation” in all major
bookstore
sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to
e-books, and find it
locally
at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
No comments:
Post a Comment