Right after Paul greets the church in Galatia, he asks the church why they have left the Gospel of Jesus for a different gospel.
Read Galatians 1:6-10.
The theme here is that the Galatians have turned to a gospel that has been spoken by man instead of from God. Paul then, in verse 11, tells them that the Gospel he received was not by any man but by Jesus Christ Himself. To the Galatians, someone else had come in and preached a gospel that was not of Jesus and they began to follow that doctrine rather than the true doctrine.
Through the next few weeks, we are concentrating on the aspects of Reach, Gather, and Grow in the book of Galatians. This week we are beginning with Reach. The aspect of Reach comes directly from Matthew 28:19 which reads, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus has called all of His followers to go and make disciples – anywhere and everywhere. He wants us to preach His Gospel and show the love of Christ to all who are sick and need His rescue. However, what happens when we follow our way of doing that? What happens when we take the Word of Christ and change it into our own words? How does that affect our Reach?
1. What aspects of the church have you seen that can be described as Reach?
2. In what ways do you feel you can Reach?
Read Matthew 24:24.
3. What are some examples of false prophets you have seen in your life?
4. What do these false prophets usually speak of?
Read Galatians 1:18-24.
5. What do you think Paul is trying to tell us concerning Reach?
6. What is the importance of him being “unknown”?
When we Reach for those who need to hear the gospel and feel the love of Christ we are representing Him. We aren’t always perfect but when we go in our name for our fame and glory we are leading people astray. This is something that happens throughout our country as well as the world. Many false teachers claiming to know Jesus go out and lead people away from the true Gospel.
7. What is the true Gospel of Jesus?
8. How have others twisted it for their gain?
Read Galatians 2:4-6.
9. What is the importance of submission?
Going out into the world and reaching those who need to hear the Gospel of Jesus is not by our own will, but by Christ’s. We are to show that love through our actions and by speaking the truth, not in fear of what others will think. It is all through Christ that we do this not by our power or gospel. Only through Jesus Christ can we truly reach those who need Him.