Digging Deeper Devotional

Galatians Week 1 Devotional

Day 1: The True Gospel of Grace

Summary: The true gospel is centered on God’s grace, not human works.

Read: Galatians 1:1-5, Ephesians 2:8-10

Background: Paul begins his letter by emphasizing that his apostleship is not from men but from Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. Paul’s greeting of “grace and peace” underscores that our relationship with God is rooted in His grace, not our works.

Key Words:

– Apostle (G652): “One who is sent out, a messenger, an ambassador.”

– Grace (G5485): “Unmerited favor, kindness given freely.”

Theological Truths:

– John Stott comments on Paul’s introduction, noting that “Grace and peace” is a summary of the gospel itself. Grace is God’s unmerited favor; peace is the result of that grace.

– N.T. Wright emphasizes that Paul’s apostleship being directly from Jesus was crucial in establishing the authority of his message.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Why is it significant that Paul emphasizes his apostleship as being from God and not from men?

2. How does understanding grace as the foundation of your relationship with God impact your daily life?

3. In what ways are you tempted to add works to the gospel of grace?

Application: Reflect on areas where you may be relying on your efforts rather than God’s grace. Surrender these areas to God and rest in His finished work.

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Day 2: The Danger of a Distorted Gospel

Summary: Adding anything to the gospel of grace distorts it and leads to spiritual bondage.

Read: Galatians 1:6-7, Romans 11:1-10 (focus on verse 6)

Background: Paul expresses amazement that the Galatians are so quickly turning to a different gospel, which is no gospel at all. He warns that any addition to the gospel of grace distorts the true message of salvation.

Key Words:

– Gospel (G2098): “Good news, the message of Christ’s salvation.”

– Distort (G3344): “To pervert, to change into something opposite.”

Theological Truths:

– J.I. Packer writes, “The addition of works to grace is like adding poison to water; it corrupts the whole.”

– John Calvin emphasizes that any gospel that relies on human works is no gospel at all because it nullifies the grace of Christ.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What are some modern examples of ways people distort the gospel?

2. How can you guard your heart against teachings that add to the gospel of grace?

3. Why is it so easy to be drawn to a works-based approach to God?

Application: Identify any teachings or beliefs you hold that might distort the gospel of grace. Confess these to God and reaffirm your trust in Christ alone.

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Day 3: Jesus Came to Rescue Us

Summary: Jesus’ mission was a rescue operation, delivering us from sin and the present evil age.

Read: Colossians 1:9-14

Background: In his letter to the Colossians, Paul explains that Jesus has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. This emphasizes that our salvation is entirely an act of God’s grace.

Key Words:

– Rescue (G4506): “To deliver, to save from danger.”

– Forgiveness (G859): “Release from bondage, pardon of sins.”

Theological Truths:

– Timothy Keller describes the gospel as “not just good advice, but good news that Jesus came to rescue us because we could not rescue ourselves.”

– F.F. Bruce writes that the deliverance Christ provides is total—it is not just a temporary relief but a complete transfer from one kingdom to another.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does viewing Jesus’ work as a rescue mission change your perspective on salvation?

2. What does it mean to live in the kingdom of God’s Son?

3. How can you respond to the rescue Jesus has provided?

Application: Meditate on the reality of your rescue in Christ. Thank God for delivering you from the domain of darkness and reflect on how this should influence your daily life.

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Day 4: The Substitutionary Death of Christ

Summary: Jesus’ death on the cross was a substitutionary sacrifice, fulfilling the law’s demands and securing our redemption.

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:21

Background: Paul explains to the Corinthians that Christ, who knew no sin, became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. This highlights the substitutionary nature of Jesus’ death.

Key Words:

– Substitute (G5228): “On behalf of, in place of.”

– Righteousness (G1343): “The state of being right with God, justice.”

Theological Truths:

– John Stott emphasizes that “the essence of the atonement is substitution—the innocent Christ taking the place of guilty sinners.”

– Charles Spurgeon notes that in the great exchange, our sin was imputed to Christ, and His righteousness was imputed to us.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What does it mean to you that Jesus became sin for you?

2. How does Christ’s substitutionary death impact your understanding of God’s justice and mercy?

3. How can you live in the light of the righteousness you have received in Christ?

Application: Take time to thank Jesus for taking your place on the cross. Reflect on how His righteousness empowers you to live a life pleasing to God.

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Day 5: No Condemnation in Christ

Summary: Because of Christ’s sacrifice, there is no condemnation for those who are in Him.

Read: Romans 8:1-2

Background: Paul assures believers that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, for the law of the Spirit of life has set them free from the law of sin and death. This freedom is a direct result of Christ’s finished work on the cross.

Key Words:

– Condemnation (G2631): “A sentence of guilt, punishment.”

– Set free (G1659): “To liberate, to deliver.”

Theological Truths:

– Martyn Lloyd-Jones comments that “there is no more liberating truth in the gospel than this: we are not condemned because Christ was condemned in our place.”

– John Piper writes that this verse is the heart of Christian assurance; because of Christ’s work, our standing before God is secure.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does the truth that there is no condemnation in Christ affect your daily life?

2. What areas of your life still feel condemned, and how can you apply this truth to them?

3. How can you help others understand the freedom that comes from no longer being under condemnation?

Application: Rest in the assurance that there is no condemnation for you in Christ. Let this truth encourage you to live boldly and confidently in your faith.