One of the ways we know Him more is by diving into His Word. Today, we continue our series in Galatians: “Not I, but Christ—Finding Freedom in the Gospel.” Last week, we studied the first ten verses of chapter one, and we were reminded that there is no other message like the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is irreplaceable, and there is no hope in any other.
As we move into Galatians 1:11–24, Paul shares his personal testimony to make a powerful point: the gospel is not manmade. It is divinely given and capable of completely transforming lives.
A Divine Declaration
Paul begins by clarifying the source of his message: it did not come from man but through a direct revelation of Jesus Christ. He writes:
“I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (vv. 11–12)
The reliability of any message depends on its source. We all know the importance of asking, “Where did this come from?” when we hear something surprising. In our age of misinformation, we’ve learned to be skeptical. But Paul assures us—the gospel isn’t a clever philosophy, nor is it the product of a religious council. It is God’s message, not man’s invention. That’s why it doesn’t evolve with culture. It is timeless and unchanging because its Author—God—does not change.
A Dramatic Transformation
Paul then recounts his own story of transformation. He had been a fierce persecutor of the church, zealous for his Jewish traditions. His actions were extreme: “Beyond measure I persecuted the church of God and wasted it,” he admits.
But God intervened.
“When it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, to reveal His Son in me…” (vv. 15–16)
The man who once terrorized Christians became a preacher of the faith he once tried to destroy. That’s not a change of opinion—that’s transformation. Real transformation doesn’t come from reading an inspirational book or watching a motivational video. It comes from meeting Jesus Christ.
God loves to take what is broken and make it new. We see this in Scripture over and over: the woman caught in adultery in John 8, the thief on the cross, and now Paul. Whether you were raised in church or come from a background of sin and struggle, we all need transformation. We all need Jesus.
Destined for a Purpose
Salvation is not just about being saved from sin—it’s also about being saved for a purpose. Paul spent time away from the spotlight after his conversion, not seeking human approval but preparing for the ministry God had for him.
“Afterward I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia… they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.” (vv. 21–23)
God saves us so He can use us. When God saved Paul, He also sent him. That’s true for every believer. Redemption leads to redirection. You’re not saved just for heaven—you’re saved to glorify God and make Him known on earth.
You might think your past disqualifies you, but God delights in using transformed lives for His glory. Just as Paul’s story inspired early Christians to glorify God, your story can do the same.
Real Lives, Real Change
We’ve seen countless modern examples of transformation: Lee Strobel, a staunch atheist turned Christian apologist; Nikki Cruz, a gang leader turned preacher; and even people in our own families and communities who went from hostility to humility because of Christ.
God is still in the business of transforming lives. Think of someone in your life who seems far from God—someone hardened, resistant, maybe even hostile to the gospel. Don’t lose heart. Pray for them. Ask God to give you boldness and opportunity to share Christ. God is able to save the most unlikely candidates, just as He saved Paul.
An Invitation
If you’ve never trusted Christ as your Savior, don’t leave today without knowing for sure that you’re saved. We would love to open a Bible with you and show you what God says about having new life in Him. It’s not about church membership, religion, or good deeds. It’s about what Jesus did for you on the cross.
And if you are already a believer, let this message encourage you to be bold. Share your testimony. Be God’s messenger. He’s placed people in your life for a reason.
Let’s trust Him to transform lives—starting with our own.
