(Read Galatians 5:7-12)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing to look at The Law given under Moses vs. the Grace provided by Jesus. Let’s continue to walk through Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia. After teaching us that our faith works by God’s love, through God’s grace, and not because we perfectly observe a set of rules or laws, Paul continues to teach the believers in Galatia. The Apostle says, “You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?” Paul is referring to the fact that the believers in Galatia had originally embraced his teaching on Grace, but somehow some of them had reverted to the Law. Paul says, “It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom.” Paul knew that the believers who were reverting to the Law were being led, but the Apostle makes it clear that they were NOT being led of God. God has called us to freedom, and whoever was leading the believers to revert to the Law was leading them to bondage.
Paul goes on to say, “This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough! I am trusting the Lord to keep you from believing false teachings. God will judge that person, whoever he is, who has been confusing you.” Paul knew that someone was teaching them to revert to the Law. Paul called the teaching false and he was certain that God would judge the false teacher.
Paul continues, “Dear brothers and sisters, if I were still preaching that you must be circumcised—as some say I do—why am I still being persecuted? If I were no longer preaching salvation through the cross of Christ, no one would be offended. I wish those people who are bothering you would add castration to their circumcision.” Wow. The Apostle was so bothered by the fact that some leaders were teaching Gentiles converts to have the foreskin of their penis’ cut, that he wished they would have their own penis’ removed! I love the fact that Paul was a passionate man. He was used of God, but he was still a man, with emotions and passions like all of us.
So what does this mean to you today? Let’s see:
1. Paul made it clear that God has called us to freedom. This freedom was purchased for us by Jesus the Christ on the cross, and Paul warned against anyone who would lead us to revert to the bondage of the Law.
2. Paul was being persecuted by the religious leadership of the time for not obeying their Laws and for teaching people about the freedom Jesus died to give us.
3. Paul experienced tremendous backlash for preaching salvation through the cross of Christ, eternal life in Christ Jesus, and freedom in Christ from ceremonial laws. But the opposition did not come from the world, it came from religious leaders who were set in their ways and who rejected the truth. 2,000 years later, many religious leaders are the same way.
4. Just because someone is a leader, or because they are teaching from the Bible, it does not automatically make them right. Paul acknowledged false teachers in his day and there will always be false teachers. That is why it is imperative for you to read and study the Word of God for yourself.
5. A little false teaching is like yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough. If you embrace false teaching in one area it might skew your understanding in other areas. So prayerfully consider whom you listen to and always check the teaching you receive with the Word of God.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for giving me access to Your Word directly. You warned me in Your Word about false teachers. The believers in Galatia were swayed by false teachers and the Apostle Paul admonished them for listening to people who were leading them to revert to ceremonial Laws, and away from the freedom Christ Jesus died to give us. I know You don’t want me to be misled by false teachers, so I will commit myself to hear from Your Holy Spirit, who lives in me, and I will also dedicate myself to double-check everything I am taught. Your Holy Spirit warns me when I am hearing something I am not supposed to receive and I put in the time to read and study Your Word for myself. Father, You know I am not perfect, and You know I have made my share of mistakes. However, I am thankful for where I am. I have grown in You and I will continue to grow as I put my faith and my focus on You, Your Word, and the anointed teachers You assigned me to. I am growing in Grace and in the knowing of my Lord Jesus the Christ, and I am committed to growing daily! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
