Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Galatians 1:13-17.

“For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it;  and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions.  But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me;  but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.”  Galatians 1:13-17.

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For those who most highly esteem their will, they should consider how Paul used his will to “persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it”.

For those who most highly esteem their education, they should consider Paul “was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions.”  And yet, Paul used his education, position, and zeal to “persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it”.

For those who most highly esteem collaboration (working with others), they should consider that Paul “did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me”.

In summary, for those who most highly esteem man and what man does, they should consider that Paul gave all credit for his work to God.  

“But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.”  Verses 15-17.

“But the Lord said to him (Ananias), “Go, for he (Paul) is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;”  Acts 9:15.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain;  but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”  1 Corinthians 15:10.

“All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.”  Acts 15:12.

But, there is hope for us too!

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.