Paul tells us what he has been through today. He violently persecuted the church. He tried to destroy it. Folks didn’t really want to believe it at first, but in time, they gave God the glory for what had happened. Sometimes, people don’t deserve a second chance. Sometimes, they have done nothing to earn it. But amazing things can happen when grace is given. Look what Paul did with a second chance. Who do you need to give a second chance to today?

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It’s great to be with you on this Friday morning as we continue our study in Galatians. Today, we’ll finish up Galatians chapter 1.

Before we begin, just a quick reminder that we won’t have Rooted next week, as I’ll be in Honduras for our church mission trip. Please keep our team in your prayers as we fly out early Sunday morning. We’ll be visiting a church member currently based in Honduras, spending time with his family and learning about his ministry. Throughout the week, we’ll be engaged in construction work, Vacation Bible School, and other mission efforts. We’ll return on Sunday, the 16th.

Since I’ll be away, I won’t be at St. Matthew’s for the next two Sundays. This Sunday, February 9th, Reverend Steve Castile—our former pastor and a beloved leader—will be preaching. I hope those in the Madison area will join us for worship. Then, on February 16th, Reverend Trey Harper, a dear friend and pastor in our conference (soon to be our District Superintendent), will be preaching. While I hate missing worship two weeks in a row, I know everything is in great hands, and I look forward to hearing about the services when I return.

Now, let’s dive into Galatians 1:11–24.

Paul’s message in this passage is clear: the gospel he preaches is not man-made but divinely revealed. He wants the Galatians to understand that salvation comes by grace through faith, not by works. At the time, Judaizers were telling new believers that they had to follow Jewish customs to be true Christians. Paul firmly refutes this, emphasizing that faith—not adherence to the law—brings salvation.

He reminds them of his past—how he once violently persecuted the church and was zealous for Jewish traditions. Yet, God chose him for a new purpose. When Paul encountered Christ, he didn’t seek human approval or instruction but withdrew to Arabia, spending time in solitude before beginning his ministry. His transformation was so profound that churches who once feared him now glorified God because of him.

Paul’s story is a testament to the power of God’s grace. People change. The gospel transforms us. But do we allow room for people to change?

We live in a culture where it’s difficult to give second chances. Mistakes—especially in the digital age—can follow a person for years. Yet, the gospel calls us to forgiveness and renewal. Imagine being one of the early Christians when Paul first came to you and said, “Hey, I’m on your team now.” Would you have trusted him? Probably not. The church had every reason to be skeptical, but they chose grace. They forgave Paul and welcomed him into their community, and because of that, he became one of the most influential apostles in history.

Who do you need to forgive today? Maybe someone has wronged you deeply. Maybe it feels impossible to let go of the hurt. But Jesus commands us to forgive—not just seven times, but seventy times seven. Forgiveness doesn’t always mean full reconciliation, but it does mean releasing the bitterness that weighs us down.

Paul’s transformation reminds us that no one is beyond redemption. So today, who is your Paul? Who needs a second chance? Maybe for their sake—but also for yours.

Thank you for joining me today. I’ll be back in a week after our mission trip, and I look forward to continuing our study in Galatians. Please keep us in your prayers, and I’ll be praying for you as well. Have a great week!