A Compelling Truth: A 30 Day Journey through Galatians with Rob StanmoreSample

DAY 28

Have you ever received a text message in all capital letters? Or worse, your phone autocorrects a text message to all capitals without realising and you send the message? 

I’ve definitely been there and it definitely sent an unintended point.

When Paul says, “See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!”, he has literally taken over the writing from the scribe. The original Greek language is translated “pelikois” which means “capital letters”. Paul is using this final opportunity to emphasise his case in capital letters.

When we live by grace, it is an ‘inside-out’ heart transformation. Our heart is changed and therefore our behaviour is changed. When we live by works, it is rather “outside-in’ behaviour modification, focused purely on behaviour with the illusion that behaviour will change my heart and, therefore, make me a ‘good person’.

In verse 13, Paul reveals the irony of living by works (the circumcision group) by saying even those that live by works cannot keep living that way and have failed. It is impossible to be accepted by God through works.

Today we have a lot to be grateful for. We cannot impress God by our good works, as we would surely fail, but we can rest in his grace that we are accepted.

Question

How does ‘inside-out’ heart transformation change the way you approach your behaviour?