About a year ago, I was introduced to the reading plan of The Revised Common Lectionary. Each day it provides several portions of Scripture to read from three or four different books of the Bible. At times, the common thread weaves plain as can be, other days it causes one to think and dig. No matter how it occurs, it is the Word of God and always delivers truth to hold onto for the day.
A recent reading of Galatians 1:6-12 has had my attention since one day last week. In this letter, Paul was writing to several churches in Galatia:
“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, …” (Galatians 1:6, NASB)
My Bible commentary shares this about the believers there:
“The Galatians were noted for their impetuousness, fickleness, and love for new and curious things.”
(from The Scofield Study Bible, page 1614)
While curiosity may sound like an admirable trait, it hindered them in their faith as they quickly grabbed onto teachings which sounded better or more interesting to them.
They were watering down the doctrine they had been taught, and their morals were breaking down. This “different gospel” was having an effect on them:
” … which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:7, NASB)
Its effect was disturbing and distorting the very doctrine they had been taught.
“Disturbing” means it was upsetting the teachings they had already been living by. It was disquieting their souls. But it was doing even more – it was distorting the gospel of Christ.
“Distorting” means it was twisting the truth of the gospel. It was false and misrepresenting that which Christ had come to teach.
It was throwing the churches and the people into confusion. Confusion as to what to believe, and who to believe.
We are in desperate need of discernment, for there are surely those who will distort the Gospel even today. May we remember the Scriptures we now read, and hold in our hands, have been given through a revelation of Jesus Christ. May no one add to it, or take away from it.
“Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.”
(Proverbs 30:5-6, NASB)
“For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:18, NASB)
May we remember those from whom we were first taught. May we remember their sincere faith, the truth by which they lived, and the results of their faith.
“For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.”
(2 Timothy 1:5, NASB)
May we come humbly as we open His Word, letting it change us, recognizing that His Word is ever true.
“Ancient words ever trueChanging me, and changing you.We have come with open heartsOh let the ancient words impart.”
(from Ancient Words by Michael W. Smith)
“No matter how old we get, there is always something new to learn.” In her post, “Abide In Love of Jesus“, Gayl Wright shares her thoughts, her creativity, and the beauty she has created and her One Word 2023 .
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Faith Enck on Unsplash
Today I may be joining …
I haven’t heard that song in years, Joanne. 🙂 What was happening in Galatia sounds uncomfortably familiar. There’s so much deception in the world today. I often pray that God would lead me and my loved ones with His truth and His light (Psalm 43:3) … I’m thankful that we can count on those ancient words to lead us in the way we should go. Hugs, friend.
As I read and studied the portion in Galations, the song came back to mind. The Lord is so faithful to remind us and lead us in His truth. May we remember from whom we have been taught. Blessings, friend!
I love that song! This post is so important. When we fudge on the gospel–change a bit here, distort bit there–we end up with something other than the gospel, something that misleads instead of saving. May we always hold on to those ancient but ever living words.
Barbara, you made such a powerful point – when we change or distort the gospel, we end up with something that misleads instead of saving. We must share the truth in love, because we love those around us, and desire for them to know God’s truth too. And thank you for sharing your encouraging post today which was confirmation of my own – What Does God Want Us To Continue.
Thanks for these great reminders, Joanne. I had not heard of that reading plan and I so appreciate what you shared from Galatians and what we need to watch for in our current day. Thanks as well for sharing this song that I had not heard for some time. Have a blessed day, my friend♥ï¸
We need the reminder to cling to the truth of God’s Word for they are “ancient words ever true.” They were true then and are true for all of time. Have a blessed day, dear friend!
One of my favorite songs, Joanne. The “Ancient Words” are our true blessing. To me, it sounds like many churches today are too much like the church at Galatia. The words “fickle” and “distorted” stand out to me, I see and hear so any Christians forsaking the ancient words for the modern word of the day, which often leads one astray.
May we cling to the truth of God’s Word, knowing from whom we have been taught. I have grown to increasingly appreciate the ones who have taught me the deep lessons of faith. May we be faithful to rightly divide His Word as we study and share.
We’re studying Galatians in our Bible study now. It is always timely, but especially now!
It is amazing how timely Galatians is to these days. God’s Word ever true for all time. May we let it change us and draw us closer to Him.
I’m always saddened when I hear of someone walking away from a solid biblical church in favor of one that is not or worse yet, for a cult-like religion. I know it often reveals that they have not been genuinely converted in the first place. But even those of us who know Christ can get drawn away to something that sounds easier and more appealing. May we test the spirits with His pure Word.
Donna, none are above being deceived which is why we all need to ask the Lord for discernment every day. As you said, “may we test the spirits with His pure Word.”
I was just reading 2 John this morning Joanne, that has a similar message.
Yes, we need to be discerning especially in these last days!
Bless you sweet friend, Jennifer
Amen, Jennifer. May we ask God for discernment every day in increasing measure. You are such an encouragement to me!
I pray many more hide these in their hearts my friend. Amen! Thank you for this much-needed post.
We are in desperate need of discernment. Thank you, Joanne, for this persuasive and encouraging reminder that our trust is in our Holy Father–from ancient times, the present and the future.
It seems deception is something our human world will always need to be on guard against! It has been there since the beginning of time. May our generation and the generations to come apply the teachings of Galatians as they are meant!