Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Galatians 1:18-24.

“Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas (Peter), and stayed with him fifteen days.  But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.  (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.)  Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.  I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ;  but only, they kept hearing, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.”  And they were glorifying God because of me.”  Galatians 1:18-24.

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At first, if we isolate and only meditate on the last verse, then it may sound like Paul was prideful when he said:  “And they were glorifying God because of me.”

But, after some good thought considering the context of that verse, we recognize Paul’s humility and that it was amazing that “He (Paul) who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.”

When others recognize that our good works had to be done by God working in us, God giving us the will to do those works and God working in us for His good pleasure, then they will glorify God.

“And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”  Mark 2:12.

“For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.  For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;”  2 Corinthians 4:5-7.

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

Other doctrine likes to draw attention to man’s wisdom and man’s will, and worse yet, often the preacher likes to draw attention to his own wisdom and his own will.

But, Reformed Doctrine likes to draw attention to God giving us the will to do His will and God working in us for His good pleasure.  

“But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”  John 3:21.

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16.