Don’t Stumble!

“You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. Galatians” 5:7-8

 Paul is perplexed that those that he had shepherded were

being turned from the true Gospel. Paul is reminding them through the metaphor of running that they had received the Gospel of Jesus Christ with joy and they were running well in the Lord. They believed that Jesus died in their place, for their sins, on the cross. By faith, they were welcomed as children into God’s family. They received the Holy Spirit and they were following Christ. Then they stumbled while they were running well. Paul is asking them who made you trip? What made you turn away from the truth of the Gospel? The

Galatians were being persuaded to begin following the law in order to be made right before God (Galatians 2:4). They were disobeying the truth that they were fully forgiven and accepted by God (Galatians 1:6–8). They were starting to believe the lie that they must do more to be right with their Father. He is reminding them that this “persuasion” is not from God.

 

We must understand that legalism is never from God. These false teachers were trying to get the Galatians to abandon the true Gospel for one of works. We are saved by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Following man-made rules and laws does not make us right with God.

Obeying God is a sign that we truly belong to Him. As a matter of fact, what brings joy to a believer’s life is when they are obedient to the commands of Christ. Obedience is a fruit of your salvation. Run the race well Christian, and do not allow those who would distort the Gospel of Jesus Christ

To hinder you from obeying the truth.

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark