From Drama to Grace | Galatians 6:17-18

Are you tired of all the pointless drama?

We begin 1 Samuel tomorrow, so get your 1 Samuel Scripture Journal from the website so you can follow along.

From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. — Galatians 6:16-17

I love the allusion in the closing text. If I were to put this text in my own words, Paul is saying:

If you want to see and know the marks of Jesus, let me take off my shirt for you. Five times, I have been beaten with 39 lashes. I have been shipwrecked. I have been stoned and left for dead. Your pointless ritual of cutting off a tiny piece of your foreskin does nothing for you. Instead, try enduring a beating for sharing the Gospel, and then you will know the Gospel. So stop bothering me with these petty issues and join me in real suffering by proclaiming the Gospel just as it is. For the Gospel has all the grace you need to endure every issue in this life.

Church, I have loved reading this letter with you. But never forget Paul's point.

Adding anything to the Gospel makes it no Gospel at all. Salvation is by faith alone, not by works so that no man can boast except in Christ Jesus alone.

#DramaFreeLiving
#GraceInSuffering
#GospelCenteredLife

ASK THIS:

1. How can we distinguish between the petty dramas of life and the enduring truths of the Gospel in our daily experiences?
2. Reflecting on Paul's words, what steps can we take to prioritize proclaiming the Gospel above getting entangled in trivial matters, and how might this shift in focus transform our lives and relationships?

DO THIS: Don't add anything to the Gospel.

PRAY THIS: Father, help me discern what truly matters amidst life's distractions, and empower me to boldly proclaim the Gospel with unwavering faith and grace-filled endurance. May Your Spirit guide me to live a life that reflects the marks of Jesus, bearing witness to Your transformative love in all I do. Amen.

PLAY THIS: The Power of the Cross.