[Galatians 1, Proverbs 7]

H – Galatians 1:6, “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”

E – Steadfast!

It is clear from Acts 13:14 that God had greatly blessed the missionary efforts of Paul and Barnabas in the cities of South Galatia despite the strong opposition they encountered there. Many new believers were won to Christ, churches were planted, elders appointed, and miracles displayed. Now, in the afterglow of this great awakening, the Galatian Christians for whom Paul harbored such great hope were at the very point of abandoning the gospel itself.

How could this happen?

It appears that they allowed the voice of others to bring confusion in their life on what it truly took to be in right relationship with God. The different gospel seems to be added requirements such as circumcision for these Gentile believers. You could say it was the Gospel + earning it. 

Paul knew all about trying to earn his standing before God. He tried to earn his standing by being advanced in Judaism, extremely zealous for the traditions that were passed down to him (1:14). But, when he met Jesus he came to and understanding that none of those things could make him right before God. It only could come from the justification of King Jesus; by faith in his death, burial, and resurrection (2:16). 

Therefore, Paul’s message to the church of Galatia is to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel. It is never Jesus +. It is just JESUS!

A – Be careful who I allow to influence my life. Listen to words of truth. Preach the truth. Remain steadfast in the truth. 

R – Lord God, thank you for salvation. Lord, the more I grow in you the more I realize that I could never be good enough or do enough to earn my salvation. The story of my life is simply Jesus. Help me to surrender each day to you, steadfast in the Gospel. I pray the words that come out of my mouth with be the Gospel truth. 

In Jesus Name!