Discernment

Galatians 1:3-10

“3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

In preparation for Charlotte Converge this weekend, see if you can read through the book of Galatians twice. Once through in one sitting, and then a slower pace the second time.

In Galatians 1:3-10, Paul admonishes the Galatians to be Faithful to the message of the gospel and not to listen to those trying to “distort the gospel of Christ.” (v. 7) Paul starts off by stating the gospel: Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice on the cross to “deliver us from this present evil age.” (v. 4) The gospel is good news for unbelievers of the saving grace of Christ, as well to the saints who Christ delivers from the power of sin on earth. There is only one true gospel, that salvation through Christ’s grace is a free gift apart from works.

But it seems the Galatians were entertaining false teachers among them who were preaching not grace, but fulfillment of the law as the way to salvation. We see later in Galatians how a distorted gospel was preached: encouraging believers to leave grace for the law, negating Christ’s work in freeing them. Justification cannot be proved by works, instead, a life transformed through the gospel will reflect the fruits of the Spirit in the ongoing process of sanctification. Paul warns the Galatians not to fall prey to this other gospel but to stay true to the gospel of Christ, condemning any who would preach a false way to salvation.

Paul’s rebuke of the Galatians reminds us to beware of believing a distorted gospel! If we have a correct understanding of the gospel, we can be discerning and avoid falling prey to false teachings. Teachers of the word ought to seek the approval of God and not man.
Paul emphasizes that he does not preach to appeal to his audience. Instead, he remains faithful to the message of the gospel, that the holy God condemns sinners. This is the gospel we are called to share with unbelievers as well, undiluted and not distorted.