DEFENDING THE GOSPEL
READ Galatians 1:6-9
"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." (Galatians 1:6-9)
The aim of the Apostle Paul in this section is very clear. He is seeking to protect the Gospel of Christ from any perversions or falsehood. The Gospel is the central message of Christianity. The Gospel is the good news of God to man. It is through the message of the Gospel that people understand the provision of God to remedy their sin problem.
How would your church respond if your young people were approached by an organized cult? One night at a church skating party, a group of teenagers was "befriended" by several individuals who asked about their spiritual lives. The teenagers were given an invitation to join them for a series of special studies. These strangers also invited themselves to the church of these teens. Like a sinister snake, this cult was moving in for the kill.
Fortunately, the parents of these teenagers knew enough of God's Word to make them cautious and wise. After the next church service, the leaders of this cult were spoken to and in blunt terms told to leave their kids alone and to never return to their church again.
Were these adults being ugly and unloving? No. On the contrary, they were carrying out the Biblical charge: to protect the innocent sheep from the advances of wolves. Paul had the same circumstances to deal with in his time.
The churches of Galatia were being led astray by false teachers, and the very souls of the believers were at stake. Paul had no choice; he had to be strong in what he wrote, for Christ had taught that the value of a single soul was worth more than all the wealth of the world.
REMEMBER:
1. God's gospel is the only message.
2. Some people turn to false gospels.
3. Preachers of false gospels are accursed.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. How confident are you in your grasp of the essential doctrines of Christianity? What areas need strengthening?
2. Can you be too careful about who or what you believe in?
3. Why is Paul's language so harsh?
4. How can believers recognize false teachers? How does God expect you to deal with false teachers?