November 24. Galatians 1 – 3.

 

What if you were writing a letter in order to introduce yourself to others; what would it say? Would it tell the story that God had wanted it to tell? Paul said that even before he was born that God had chosen him and called him for what he was doing.

 

1:15 But then something happened! For even before I was born, God had chosen me to be his and called me—what kindness and grace— 16 to reveal his Son within me so that I could go to the Gentiles and show them the Good News about Jesus.

 

Paul’s opening line is bold, sure and confident:

 

1:1-2 From: Paul the missionary and all the other Christians here. To: The churches of Galatia. I was not called to be a missionary by any group or agency. My call is from Jesus Christ himself and from God the Father who raised him from the dead. 

 

He knew who he was and his life purpose. What brought about this clarity and resolve in his life? He was an educated man. He was a zealous and disciplined man, but none of that produced this peace and security of knowing who he was and what he was made to do. That peace and purpose came when he recognized his relationship with Jesus Christ.

If you are struggling with understanding what your purpose in life is; or if you would have trouble answering the question, “Why are you alive on this earth?”, then perhaps following Paul’s example and exercise would bring you great benefit and clarity as well.

 

2:19 for it was through reading the Scripture that I came to realize that I could never find God’s favor by trying—and failing—to obey the laws. I came to realize that acceptance with God comes by believing in Christ.

 

Search the Scriptures. Discover what God has to say about you and what plans He has available for you. It is in that discovery that your life will regain order, meaning, and purpose. Once you discover who you are in Christ you can no longer be controlled by men. No longer will you anchor your value or self-worth to what other people think of you, but your confidence, passion, and purpose for life will be found in Christ and how God sees you.

 

10 You can see that I am not trying to please you by sweet talk and flattery; no, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please men I could not be Christ’s servant.

 

God’s plan for you includes the same truth that is found in verse 23 of chapter one;

 

23 All they knew was what people were saying, that “our former enemy is now preaching the very faith he tried to wreck.” 24 And they gave glory to God because of me.

 

Paul was referred to as “former enemy”. God has a new life you – His purpose, His plan. Let the former you be transformed and redirected as you search the Scriptures and discover God’s calling for your life.