A Man of God
Galatians 1:11–24
And they glorified God because of me. Galatians 1:24

Paul was a man of God. He had principles, but they were God’s principles. This is why he wasn’t an obstinate egotist. He was defending the standards that had been taught to him by God. He was also strong but he was strong with God’s strength. It was Paul who said in Philippians: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (4:13).

What makes a man of God? Why was Paul the man he was? The first chapter of Galatians gives us a threefold answer. A man or woman must first be called of God. His message must be received from God. And he must fill his mind with Scripture. What is the result? Look at verses 23 and 24: “They only heard the report: ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they praised God because of me” (NIV).

What makes real character? There is a strong temptation in Christian circles to believe that the effectiveness of a minister or a Sunday school teacher or even of ourselves as witnesses to the gospel depends upon our natural abilities. There is no use going into the ministry, we hear, unless the young person has a “gift” with people or an aptitude for study. To be a successful witness, we must be able to speak fluently about spiritual things.

But this is absolutely wrong. Paul had great natural ability, more than you or I will ever have. But before his life had been changed by God, he was a persecutor of the church. Great abilities do not make a great Christian character. What makes a great man of God is his call, his message, and his book. If you have never received that call from God which can entirely change your life and make you live it with an entirely new purpose, you can hear it now. All God wants you to know is that he calls you through Jesus Christ and that you must come to him through Jesus. And if you haven’t received a message that you are burning up inside to give, that will make a difference to those who hear it, God will give you a message. He will give it through a serious study of his written Word. With this basis each of us can begin to develop a character like Paul’s. And we can say with all the strength of purpose that was his: “For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:11). And God can be glorified in us.

Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865

Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.