I recently finished studying the book of Galatians in a small group. We used a workbook on Galatians developed by Redeemer Presbyterian Church titled; “Galatians: Living in line with the truth of the gospel.”
I wanted to share a quote from the introduction of this study on the implications of the gospel;
“The gospel is not just the “A-B-C” but the “A-to-Z” of the Christian life. The gospel is not just the way to enter the kingdom, but is the way to address every problem and is the way to grow at every step. If we believe we can find our own worth and meaning through performance, then we will become either proud and disdainful of others (if we reach our goals), or else discouraged and self-loathing (if we fail our goals). But the gospel creates an entirely new self-image.
First, it tells us that we are more wicked than we ever dared believe, but more loved and accepted in Christ than you ever dared to hope—at the same time.
In fact, if the gospel is true, the more you see your sin, the more certain you are that you were saved by sheer grace and the more precious and electrifying that grace is to you. So the gospel gives us enormous power to admit our flaws.
Then secondly, the knowledge of our acceptance in Christ makes (for the first time) the law of God a beauty instead of a burden. We come to use it to delight the One who has enriched us so mightily—instead of using it to get his attention or win his favor. The first way makes the moral and sacrificial life a joy; the second way makes it a burden.
Therefore the gospel changes everything. It brings down racial barriers by melting away racial pride OR inferiority. It brings down psychological problems by melting away selfinflation OR self-hatred. It brings down personal facades, for we are free to admit who we are. It effects the way we do everything—how we motivate people, how we help them work through counseling problems, how we worship, how we take criticism.”
Very clear, very powerful thought.
I would highly recommend this study to anyone looking for good supplement to Galatians, along with commentaries written by John Stott and Timothy George.
Matt Capps 