God’s Approval Above Man’s Praise

2026-03-05 - 22:47

GOD’S APPROVAL—NOT MAN’S 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.” Paul now uncovers the real issue behind distorted preaching: APPROVAL. Those who distort the gospel often do so because a softened message attracts larger crowds. A prosperity-focused message promises health, wealth, breakthrough, and success. It centres on blessing more than repentance. It magnifies personal advancement more than Christ’s sacrifice. It appeals to what people want—security, comfort, and increase. And it gains approval. But Paul makes something unmistakably clear: if the goal is to please people, one cannot faithfully serve Christ. The true gospel confronts sin. It calls for repentance. It speaks of a cross before a crown. It prepares believers for both suffering and glory. It magnifies Christ’s sufficiency—not human prosperity. Messages tailored to “itching ears” may fill venues, but they can’t rescue souls if they shift the focus from Christ crucified to self-advancement. Paul’s freedom came from this settled conviction: he answered to God, not to public opinion. What about us?—Are we drawn to messages that promise comfort more than transformation? Do we measure truth by how it makes us feel—or by what Scripture declares? Are we seeking teachers who affirm our desires, or who anchor us in Christ? Faithfulness may cost approval. But the approval of God outweighs the applause of men. The gospel isn’t a tool for gain. It’s the power of salvation. Prayer: Father, guard us from chasing messages that appeal to our desires but drift from Your truth. Give us discernment to recognise teaching that magnifies comfort more than Christ. Strengthen us to value Your approval above all else, and keep us anchored in the true gospel of grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Have a wonderful weekend. God bless and lots’a love, Warren