Paul is warning the Galatians (a few churches in this region that would become modern day Turkey) that there is a false gospel being taught. This gospel was that if you wanted to become a follower of Jesus Christ you must conform to the outward ceremonies of the Mosaic law. The truth is that a person is free in Christ through faith alone, not works and rituals. The false teachers were wanting to win people over for their glory, not the glory of Jesus Christ. People were being sucked into it. There are many false teachings happening today, and if we are going to please God, we cannot be people pleasers.
Focus on the Seriousness of Exposing a False Gospel vv.6-8
There is a seriousness as to grasping the pure truth of the gospel.
False Gospel’s Today
- A Work’s Based Gospel– That you must go through rituals or do work in order to earn God’s favor.
- The Prosperity Gospel– That God will Grant you everything you want, if you have enough faith.
- The All Roads Gospel– This false gospel teaches that all roads, paths, lead to salvation or heaven. (Why would a loving God send anyone to Hell?)
Find Salvation in Experiencing the True Gospel v.9
Man has complicated the simplicity of the gospel and added their spin or twist to it. The simplicity of the gospel is found in John 3:16.
Freed From the Slavery of Man’s Emotional Opinions v.10
Why did I say emotional opinions? It appears that feelings of the current fad or social vogue seem to foster the attitude of society. No longer is the Bible the standard for one to live by. As a result, there becomes is a natural bent to satisfy others, gain other’s approval, to be one of the crowd. We give teens a hard time because of peer pressure, but adults are just as guilty. One of the marks of seeing Christ through scripture for yourself, you cease to be a man pleaser. The authority is Christ, not in man!
Jesus points this out in two areas, Matthew 23:5-7 “They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.”
John 5:44 “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”
Faithful to the Source of Your Eternal Calling vv.11-12
If we know where the very gift of life comes from, why do we toy with trying to please others?
Practical Ways to Remain Free in Christ
- Prayer– When asked to agree with something you know is not Biblical, pray about your response and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the words.
- Partnerships– Surround yourself with other believers who enjoy freedom in Christ! This encourages positive accountability.
- Planted– Realize you were providentially placed where you are to make a difference for Christ, learn God’s Word and become rooted in it. When squeezed, people are waiting to see what’s inside. Show them Christ in your placement. Show them joy, security, hope, and freedom. When God’s people really live by the future grace of Romans 8:28 — from measles to the mortuary — they are the freest and strongest and most generous people in the world.
Their light shines and people give glory to their Father in heaven.