Galatians Week 2 Devotional

Galatians Week 2 Devotional

Day 1: Paul’s Radical Transformation

Summary: Paul’s transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ showcases the powerful grace of God to change any life.

Read:

– Galatians 1:13-16

– Acts 9:1-22 (Paul’s encounter with Christ)

– 1 Timothy 1:12-16 (Paul reflects on God’s mercy)

Background: Before his conversion, Paul (formerly Saul) was committed to destroying the church. But after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, his life radically changed. This transformation highlights God’s ability to redeem and use even the most unlikely individuals for His purposes.

Key Words:

– Grace (G5485): “Unmerited favor, divine kindness bestowed on the unworthy.”

– Conversion (G1994): “A turning, a complete change in direction.”

Theological Truths:

– Charles Spurgeon: “The conversion of Paul was a divine act, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.”

– John Calvin: “Paul’s conversion illustrates the power of divine grace and how Christ uses even the most unlikely people for His purpose.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does Paul’s transformation encourage you to believe in the power of God to change others?

2. In what ways have you experienced transformation since becoming a follower of Christ?

3. How can you be more open to God using you, regardless of your past?

Application:

This week, pray for someone who seems unlikely to come to faith. Ask God to soften their heart and show you how you can be part of their story of transformation.

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Day 2: A Gospel from God, Not Man

Summary: The gospel that Paul preaches was revealed to him directly by Christ, not by human teachings or traditions.

Read:

– Galatians 1:11-12

– 1 Corinthians 2:6-13 (Paul’s message revealed by the Spirit)

– Ephesians 3:1-6 (The mystery of the gospel revealed)

– John 7:16-18 (Jesus speaks of the divine source of His teaching)

Background: Paul emphasizes that the gospel he preaches is not of human origin but a revelation from Christ. This underscores its divine authority and authenticity, setting it apart from man-made teachings and philosophies.

Key Words:

– Revelation (G602): “A divine disclosure or unveiling of truth.”

– Mystery (G3466): “A truth previously hidden, now revealed by God.”

Theological Truths:

– Martin Luther: “The Gospel is not merely a human invention but a revelation from heaven.”

– Charles Spurgeon: “Paul’s gospel was not of man; it was the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does knowing the gospel is a divine revelation change your perspective on Scripture?

2. Why is it important to distinguish between human ideas and divine truths?

3. How can you become more attuned to hearing and understanding God’s revealed truth?

Application:

Spend time in prayer this week, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal the deeper meaning of a specific Scripture passage to you. Meditate on it and journal your reflections.

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Day 3: Sharing Your Testimony

Summary: Paul’s testimony of his radical conversion was a key part of his ministry, and your testimony can be just as powerful in pointing others to Christ.

Read:

– Galatians 1:13-17

– Acts 22:1-16 (Paul shares his conversion story)

– 1 Peter 3:15 (Always be ready to give an answer for your faith)

Background: Paul consistently shared his testimony as a way to show God’s grace and power in his life. He used his past as a persecutor of Christians to emphasize the magnitude of God’s mercy and transformative power.

Key Words:

– Testimony (G3141): “A firsthand account of God’s work in your life.”

– Witness (G3144): “One who speaks from personal experience of the truth.”

Theological Truths:

– Billy Graham: “The unbelieving world should see our testimony lived out daily because it might be the only Bible they will ever read.”

– D.L. Moody: “A man with an experience of grace is never at the mercy of a man with an argument.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. How can your personal testimony of faith impact those around you?

2. What aspects of your story highlight God’s grace in your life?

3. How can you become more confident in sharing your testimony with others?

Application:

Write down your personal testimony of how you came to faith in Christ, and practice sharing it with a friend. Look for an opportunity to share it with someone who doesn’t know Jesus.

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Day 4: The New Creation in Christ

Summary: Paul’s life was completely transformed by the gospel, demonstrating that in Christ, we become new creations.

Read:

– Galatians 1:18-24

– 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (The new creation in Christ)

– Colossians 3:1-10 (Putting on the new self)

Background: After his conversion, Paul’s entire identity and mission changed. He became a powerful advocate for the gospel, showing that the old has passed away and a new life has begun for those in Christ.

Key Words:

– New Creation (G2537): “A person who has been made new through faith in Christ.”

– Reconciliation (G2643): “Restoration of a broken relationship, especially between God and humanity.”

Theological Truths:

– John Stott: “Conversion involves a change of heart, a turning to God, and a subsequent change of life.”

– Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “The grace of Christ does not leave a man as he is. It changes him entirely.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. How has your identity changed since you became a follower of Christ?

2. What old habits or behaviors do you need to put away as you live out your new identity?

3. How does understanding that you are a new creation impact the way you live daily?

Application:

Reflect on one specific area in your life that needs to change to align more fully with your new identity in Christ. Pray for God’s help in transforming that area.

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Day 5: Reaching the Unlikely

Summary: Paul’s conversion reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace—even those who seem least likely to come to faith.

Read:

– Galatians 1:22-24

– Romans 8:28-39 (Nothing can separate us from God’s love)

– Luke 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus, the unlikely convert)

Background: Paul, once an enemy of the church, became one of its greatest champions. His life shows that God’s grace can reach even the hardest hearts. Similarly, Jesus reached out to Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by society, and transformed his life.

Key Words:

– Grace (G5485): “God’s unmerited favor, extended even to those we may overlook.”

– Seek (G2212): “To pursue with intent to find.”

Theological Truths:

– Augustine: “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”

– Tim Keller: “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. Who in your life seems unlikely to believe in Christ?

2. How can you extend grace and love to someone who is far from God?

3. What does Paul’s story teach you about God’s power to transform lives?

Application:

Make a list of three people in your life who seem far from God. Commit to praying for them daily, and look for ways to show them the love and grace of Christ.