GUARDING AND LIVING IN THE TRUTH
READ Galatians 5:7-12
This morning our focus is upon guarding and living in the truth. Notice Galatians 5:7-9, "Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? 8 This persuasion cometh not of Him that calleth you. 9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."
vs. 7 - As Paul does on several occasions throughout his epistles, he likens the Christian life to a long-distance, marathon race. (See Galatians 2:2, I Corinthians 9:24ff, II Timothy 4:7, and Hebrews 12:1.) They had begun the race of the Christian life well; but along the way, someone had tripped them up. They were no longer living in obedience to the truth. Are you running the race well?
vs. 8 - The word “persuasion” has the sense of ‘treachery’ or ‘deceptive persuasion.’ His point is that this deception (the need to observe the law to be saved and be kept saved) did not emanate from Him who had called them in the first place. In other words, this heresy was not from God. The Gospel is clear, and like any truth of Scripture, should not be altered in any way.
vs. 9 - He thus quotes a concise proverb: "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." A little yeast is all it takes to make the entire lump of dough rise. He may have in mind that all this confusion was caused by one false teacher who had infiltrated the Galatian churches. Verse 10 lends credence to that. Indeed, a little error can impact many. Be careful, for it doesn't take much to impact the whole of doctrinal truth.
Have a great day walking in the truth!
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Who tends to be easily persuaded by false doctrines? Why?
2. What consequences do false teachers face?
3. How should you deal with those who attempt to spread doctrinal error?