Galatians 1:10

 BIBLE VERSE

Galatians 1:10

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Galatians 1:10

1. WHAT DOES IT SAY?

* The author, Paul, asks a rhetorical question about who he is trying to impress (v. 10a).

* He contrasts trying to get approval from human beings with trying to get approval from God (v. 10a).

* He asks a second, similar question, distinguishing between trying to please people and being a servant of Christ (v. 10b).

* He makes a definitive statement that if his priority were to please people, he could not be a true servant of Christ (v. 10c).

2. WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS?**

a) Historical Context:  What was the specific situation in the churches of Galatia that made Paul feel the need to defend his motives and his message so strongly? What was he accused of?

b) Cultural Context:  What was the cultural pressure for Paul, a former Pharisee, to conform to the expectations of religious leaders and the Jewish community?

* **c) Theological Context:** Why is there an irreconcilable conflict between "pleasing people" and "being a servant of Christ"? Why can't a person do both?

* **d) Literary Context:** How does this verse set the stage for the rest of Paul's letter, particularly his defense of the gospel of grace against a gospel of works?

* **e) Life Application:** In our modern world of social media, constant feedback, and the fear of missing out, what does it truly look like to prioritize God's approval over the approval of others?

**3. WHAT DOES THE TEXT MEAN?**

This verse is at the very beginning of Paul's letter, where he immediately defends the gospel he preaches. Galatians was written to a group of churches that were being led astray by "Judaizers"—teachers who insisted that Christians needed to follow Jewish laws and traditions (like circumcision) in order to be saved. Paul's message of salvation through faith in Christ alone was being challenged.

* **Understanding the propositions:** Paul is not just asking a question; he is making an intense statement about his life's purpose. He is saying that his identity and allegiance have shifted completely. His life is no longer about winning favor with men, but about living for God's approval. He is drawing a clear line in the sand: you cannot serve two masters.

* **Answering the questions:**

    * Paul was accused of being a "people-pleaser" who preached an easy gospel to gain followers. He writes this letter to correct that misconception and to re-establish the one true gospel.

    * The cultural pressure was immense. As a Jew, Paul would have been expected to uphold the traditions of his people. By preaching that Gentile converts did not need to follow these traditions, he risked alienation and persecution from his own community.

    * Theological conflict arises because human approval is often based on conformity to human standards and traditions. Christ's service, however, demands radical surrender and obedience to God's standards, which often go against the grain of popular opinion.

    * This verse serves as the thesis of the entire book. Paul is making it clear from the outset that the gospel he received is from God, not from man, and he will not water it down to make it more palatable to anyone.

    * The ultimate meaning is that the Christian life is about a radical shift in allegiance. Our purpose is not to gain validation from people but to live for the one true audience of our life: God Himself.

**4. HOW DOES THE TEXT APPLY TO ME?**

This verse is a sharp wake-up call in a world that is constantly trying to shape me. It encourages me to conduct a "heart check" on my motives. When I post something online, am I looking for "likes" or am I seeking to glorify God? When I make a life decision—from my career path to my relationships—am I seeking the approval of my family, friends, or peers, or am I seeking God's will? This text challenges me to find my entire worth and identity in Christ alone. It encourages me to have the courage to live a life that might be misunderstood or criticized by others, knowing that I am living for the only One whose opinion truly matters. It calls me to a life of integrity, where my private prayers and my public actions are aligned with the singular purpose of serving Christ.

PRAYER/RESPONSE

God, I confess that I often find my security in the praise of people and my anxiety in the fear of rejection. I am so easily swayed by the opinions of others. Please forgive me for giving more weight to human approval than to Yours. I surrender my fears, my insecurities, and my desire to please everyone. Strengthen me by the power of Your Holy Spirit to be a faithful servant of Christ, regardless of the cost. Help me to find my value in Your love alone and to live my life as a testament to Your grace. Amen.