Join The
Community
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on what is going on.
Galatians: Rescued & Recruited – Week 1
Mike Wilson
Galatians – Rescued & Recruited – Week 1
Joining the Team: Discovering Your Purpose
Welcome to the kickoff of our new teaching series, “Galatians: Rescued and Recruited.” Today, we dive into the profound message of this ancient letter and explore what it means to be part of a team. But first, let’s unpack the backstory.
Meet the Author: The Apostle Paul
The book of Galatians is a letter penned by none other than the Apostle Paul, a towering figure in the early Christian movement. Paul, formerly known as Saul, underwent a radical transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a passionate follower of Jesus. Despite not being one of the original 12 disciples, Paul received a special commission from Jesus himself, making him an apostle.
Acts 9:1-6
Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.[a] So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.
Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.[a] So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.
3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Understanding the Context
The church in Galatia faced a pressing issue: the temptation to blend legalism with Christianity. Paul’s letter serves as a corrective, reminding them that salvation isn’t about adherence to laws but about faith in Christ. Like the Galatians, we’re often tempted to add rules to our faith, but Paul’s message remains relevant today: in Christ, we are all one team.
Rescued and Recruited
Becoming a Christian isn’t just about being saved; it’s about being recruited into a team with a purpose. While praying a salvation prayer marks the beginning of our journey, it’s only the first step. We must also consider what we’re saved from and what we’re saved for. Just as an investor asks what we’re saving for, God saves us from death, offers us new life, and calls us to a mission.
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Finding Your Place on the Team
Just as you wouldn’t move a house alone, being part of a team means recognizing your need for others. Paul, with his natural leadership skills, transitioned from persecuting Christians to recruiting them. Similarly, each of us has unique talents and passions that contribute to the mission of the team. Whether it’s a tedious task or a skill you lack, being part of a team means relying on others and offering your strengths in return.
Galatians 1:22-24
22 And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally. 23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” 24 And they praised God because of me.
22 And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally. 23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” 24 And they praised God because of me.
Navigating Accountability
Even the great Apostle Peter faced pressure and needed accountability. Paul’s confrontation with Peter highlights the importance of holding one another accountable in our faith journey. Just as we need accountability to stay in shape physically, we need spiritual accountability to grow in our faith.
Galatians 2:9-12
9 In fact, James, Peter,[a] and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. 10 Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.
9 In fact, James, Peter,[a] and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. 10 Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. 12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision.
Embracing Your Purpose
As we reflect on God’s sovereignty in saving Paul for a specific mission, we’re reminded that each of us has a unique role to play. Whether it’s playing an instrument, greeting others, teaching, or leading, our diverse gifts and talents contribute to the team’s success. Easter served as a powerful reminder of the strength of our team and the impact we can make when we work together.
Galatians 2:16
16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
Conclusion: Joining the Team
You were created with a purpose, designed to make a unique contribution to the team. Don’t let societal pressures or comparisons with others deter you from embracing your uniqueness. Instead, join the church team, step off the sidelines, and play your part in fulfilling God’s mission. Together, we can make a difference that extends far beyond ourselves.
Did you like Galatians – Rescued & Recruited – Week 1? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.
Back to All Messages