The Book of Galatians
Read Galatians 4:8-20
But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? (v9)
Even among preachers, there is competition and a tendency to reinvent the gospel message to appeal to modern trends. In doing so, the true message of Christ can sometimes be distorted to gain popularity rather than uphold the truth.
The false teachings influencing the Galatian Christians created a false sense of security through rule-keeping and reliance on personal efforts for salvation. This led them away from the freedom Christ had given them, which Paul had originally preached.
Furthermore, this distortion of the gospel strained their relationship with Paul. They had once welcomed him as though he were Christ Himself (v14), cared for him deeply (v13,15), but now they treated him as an enemy (v16).
We must be cautious of those who preach a gospel that leads believers away from the freedom they have in Christ and back into a reliance on religious laws and human efforts instead of full dependence on Christ (v9).
Actions:
Keep the message of the cross simple and pure. Avoid altering the gospel to fit popular trends.
Remember that salvation is through faith in Christ alone, not through rule-keeping or personal efforts.
Be discerning of teachings that promote dependence on religious laws rather than Christ.
Strengthen your relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with believers who uphold the true gospel.
Share the message of freedom in Christ with others so they, too, may experience His saving grace.
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:35-36)
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.