We look today at Galatians 1. Paul is making sure the people know two things. First, he is an apostle. He is not there on his own or of his own accord. He is there because he has been sent by God. Second, he is sent by God with a message of the Gospel, this Gospel of grace, open to all who believe. He wants them to know that anyone, even an angel, who teaches a Gospel other than this is wrong. The Gospel is beautiful. It is life. Paul wants them to know the beauty of the Gospel, no matter what!

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It’s great to be with you on this Thursday morning as we begin our time together in Galatians. This is a wonderful book, and I’m looking forward to the next two days of reading and studying it with you. Then, as I mentioned before, I’ll be heading to Honduras for a mission trip next week, but we’ll pick back up after that.

Today, we’re reading Galatians 1:1-10—two sections that fit well together.

Paul’s letters have a distinct style, and Galatians is no exception. He always follows a structured format, starting with a salutation or greeting. Here, he immediately establishes a crucial point: his apostleship is not from humans but from God.

This theme is reiterated in verse 10, where Paul asks, Am I seeking human approval or God’s? He makes it clear—he’s not in this to please people. If he were, he wouldn’t be preaching the gospel! Paul wants the Galatians to understand that his message isn’t man-made; it’s from God Himself.

Paul is deeply concerned that the Galatians are turning to a different gospel. But he quickly clarifies—there isn’t another gospel! Some are distorting the true gospel, and Paul’s response is firm: Even if an angel from heaven preaches a different gospel, let them be accursed!

The word translated as “accursed” is anathema, one of the strongest condemnations in Greek. It means to be eternally condemned. Paul isn’t playing around—this is a big deal. The gospel he preaches is not up for debate, revision, or replacement.

We need to recognize the beauty and power of the gospel. It’s not just good news—it’s the best news! As the angels proclaimed at Jesus’ birth, it is good news of great joy for all people.

Sometimes, we exchange the glory of God for man-made things. We elevate traditions, doctrines, or personal preferences to the level of the gospel itself. But it’s all about Jesus.

• Jesus Christ, born of a virgin.
• He suffered, died on the cross, and was resurrected.
• He ascended and will return.
• We are saved by grace through faith—not by works, so no one can boast.
• The Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit—invites us into communion with God.

C.S. Lewis once wrote that Christianity offers us full communion with God. What else could be better than that?

Paul warns against anything that distorts the gospel. The church will endure, the gospel will stand, and nothing can threaten the truth of God. So let’s stay deeply rooted in the gospel.

Thank you for being with us today. I love Galatians—it’s one of my favorite books, and I’m excited to continue tomorrow as we finish chapter one. Have a great day!