Scripture:
Galatians 1:11-17 ESV
[11] For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. [12] For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. [13] For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. [14] And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. [15] But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, [16] was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; [17] nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
Observation:
Paul was making it clear to the Galatians that he was not educated by man. Although he had a Jewish rabbi that was very sought after. He knew the Torah inside and out but had no idea about the gospel. That day on the road to Damascus, it was all revealed to him. You might say the light that blinded him also gave him the missing pieces to the scripture he already had committed to his heart. Showing him that he had been misled. A zealous pursuit of the Jewish way and knowledge brought him to the very moment of truth. Face to face with the one he had been fighting against. Once Jesus asked him the question… why are you persecuting me? Paul could not help but know the truth. All the misleading that had been done was quickly undone, and the Holy Spirit went to work. Revealing more and more as Paul continued his path. Although he had been blinded by the light, his vision was clear. The truth of the Torah was given to him. The Holy Spirit was the teacher. Paul did not need confirmation from anyone because he knew what was given was the truth and who better to give it to than a man who was zealous to advance in Judaism? The Messiah was revealed through the Torah, and it was all uncovered by the light.
Application:
I remember my salvation experience like it was yesterday. All my life, I had been told. If you mess up, GOD is going to send you to hell. I thought that GOD was going to get me. HE was some mean angry GOD sitting in a place called heaven waiting to strike me with lightning when I got off HIS path. The thing is, if you read just the Old Testament, you might believe that too. That day when HE revealed HIMSELF to me. I saw the truth. Every day since that day… HE has been showing me how much HE truly loves me. From the beginning of my walk, I have known that HE has called me. HE has equipped me, and HE has sent me. So I started going to bible college thinking… if I am going to preach and teach, I need to know the truth. A short time into this education process, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart… saying… do you want to know what man says the bible is teaching, or do you want to know what I AM TEACHING YOU. my position on bible college changed. I wanted to know the truth and the truth I wanted to know could only be taught by the Holy Spirit. Over the years of reading and studying GOD’S word, HE has shown me HIS great and awesome love. HE has taught me and revealed more every day. The Bible tells us to seek, and we will find knock, and the door will be opened, ask, and we will receive… I have discovered that the seeking, asking, and knocking will come from time spent in HIS word. The question is, do you want to know HIM if you want to know HIS truth? HE has already revealed it. My suggestion is to read what HE has left us and let the HOLY SPIRIT teach you. If you ask HIM before you read, HE will show you HIS great love. Last but not least. If you have been taught that GOD is going to get you GOD waiting to smash you out when you mess up. I have news for you. HE is not. HE did not send HIS SON to die just so HE could kill you in the end. HIS plan is so much greater than that, and HIS love is way beyond our understanding. Give in to it and experience who HE really is. If it’s not good, HE is not done.
Prayer:
Father, you are way bigger than our understanding. Thank you for your Holy Spirit. That reveals you truth to us right when we need it. You show us how much you love us by the fact that while we were still sinners, you sent your son to die for us. Thank you for educating us. Man’s ways are not your way, and man’s opinion is not your word. This morning, we ask that you would reveal your truth to us in the way that only you can. We love you and want you to lead us to mold us and shape us to be more like your SON. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.