That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9.
This passage of Scripture has been rolling through my mind as I sit here thinking about all that is taking place in our world today! There is nothing new under the sun! The world is involved in the same things today that it was involved in since the beginning if time. That is not going to change! But the world and its foolishness are creeping into the church. My mind is drawn more to that which is going on within the church than that which is taking place in the “World.” John tells us in 1 John 2:17, “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” Please, I do not mean that I do not pray for and mourn for others. I do, very much! I pray that we all do! But this book was written to the church to guide, teach, and train her to stand firm on the word of God. Not listen to and follow the ways of the world.
Paul writes the book of Galatians, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to refute the false teachers that crept into the church. Apparently, the believers were being carried away by their false doctrine. In the third chapter Paul calls the church, “Foolish” This letter is written to many church’s and these same words need to echo through the church of today!
If our head is not stuck in the sand we can see clearly that false doctrine is creeping into every corner of the church. This must not be! Are we so foolish?
You and I are apart of the church’s that this letter is written too. We need to pour over the truths that are written in this book so that we are not carried away by every wind of doctrine. Because of our fear of God and love for our brothers and sisters in Christ we need to be so saturated in the word that we are able to refute those who are teaching a false gospel, and be a guide to others.
Here are a few questions to ask as we look into the book of Galatians.
- Am I trying to please men or am I trying to please God?
- Do I understand the depth of teaching a false gospel?
- Do I know the true gospel?
- Am I walking by the Spirit or in the flesh?
- Am I mature enough to carry the burdens of my brothers and sisters?
- Am I looking out for myself that I will not be tempted?
Overview of the teachings of Galatians
Paul boldly opens this letter with his authority as an apostle. He says he was not sent by man but God and Christ Jesus! He plainly says that at one time he was seeking the favor of man, but no more. After his regeneration(Acts 9) Paul had a new heart. One that desired to follow and please God. After his change of heart, Paul is also eager to preach the true gospel. He says in Romans 1:15-16, “So, for my part I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
Paul was not taught the gospel by man. Galatians 1: 12 teaches, ” For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” Are you learning from man or through the Holy Spirit? I am not saying that we cannot or should not listen to what others have learned from their study of Scripture. Neither is Paul. In the context of these verses, Paul is defending his apostleship. There were false teachers coming in and saying what Paul was teaching was not complete. Thus, the reason for this letter. What we need to understand from this also is that the Holy Spirit is our teacher. We learn from Him through the study of the Bible and then we can weigh what man says through the truth of the word.
False teachers were coming into the church teaching that one was not truly saved unless they were also circumcised. Paul refutes this false teaching by teaching the true gospel.
The main truth taught in Galatians is:Justification by faith
Nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.
Paul is amazed that the church is so quickly deserting God for a different gospel. Are you amazed that the church today is doing the same? There are many who believe that in order to be saved it is Christ plus _______________, you can fill in the blank. Should I put more blanks to fill in?
There is not another gospel! There is only one and it is the complete work of Jesus Christ! Paul says that if anyone, including himself, teaches a gospel contrary to what was preached, that person or angel, is to be accursed. Separated from Christ, damned, devoted to destruction in eternal hell. Very strong words! These words make me shutter! Do we understand how important it is to learn and teach the True Gospel?
A Wake Up Call
I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ for a different gospel.
- Who has bewitched you?
- Are you so foolish?
Every time Paul displayed his shock and amazement at the church turning away from the true gospel, he would immediately come in reminding and teaching them again the true gospel. The gospel revealed to him through Christ Jesus. Paul keeps pulling the church back to the truth of the gospel.
We must keep pulling ourselves and our brothers and sisters back to the truth of the word of God. There is a great pull of the world to leave the truth for a lie. Remember the world is passing away but the one who does the will of God lives forever with Him for eternity!
MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES
Why is it That Important to Memorize Scripture
Why I recommend the New Inductive Study Bible
I want to Know You… Studying the Attributes of God
Six Important Questions to Ask When You Study the Bible
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