Today’s Reading | Galatians 1
Motive & Message
How can you tell if someone is a true servant of Christ? How can you know if you are a true servant of Christ or simply a religious person? The answer is found in today’s reading. Paul wrote this letter to refute incorrect teaching the church of Galatia was receiving. After Paul left for another region, someone began teaching wrong doctrine. How could the believers in this church identify who was speaking the truth? First, they should examine the motives of the teachers. Paul’s goal was to please God and not men (vs10). Unlike other teachers, his words were not motivated by gaining the approval or acceptance of these people. Second, they should closely examine the message. Paul’s message did not come from his personal experiences, his own ideas, or from someone else who taught him. His message came from God. He could, therefore, be trusted and his message could be believed. Likewise today, a true servant of God is characterized by right motives and a right message. What is your motive and message? Is your life about love for others or yourself? Is your message about how people can gain eternal life? Use today’s questions to take a closer look.
Today’s Questions
Say What?
How can you tell what one’s true motivation is?
So What?
How can you tell if one’s message is correct?
Now What?
In what ways do you demonstrate yourself to be someone who is a servant of God?
Then What?
In light of this passage, what personal commitment can you make?