Paul was always clear from whom his authority originated as an apostle. It was never from men. It was from God. Having a firm grasp on this is so important for pastors and others in authority within the church. Knowing whom we serve and from whom our authority comes makes it much clearer whom we should seek to please. We should not worry over how many people fill the seats of our church or “like” us on social media. It is not that you can’t use that as a reference for reaching an audience, but be careful not to judge your success that way, lest you be drawn to serve men instead of God by telling them what they want to hear instead of what God wants you to share.
I also appreciate that as Paul opens his letter to Galatians, he puts emphasis on the grace and peace characteristic of a healthy relationship with God. We are drawn immediately to focus on the purpose of the death and resurrection of Christ and to whom the glory is due.
What a wonderful way to launch a letter engaging brothers and sisters in Christ.
Introduction
1Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), 2and all the brethren who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:
3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.
Let us challenge ourselves to remember that authority comes from the Father. He is the one whom we should please. He is the one who brings grace and peace.
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