Examine Yourself

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?

Galatians 3:1

As we study the book of John we have come to chapter six. In this chapter we see that many deserted Christ. How could this happen? Even in our own church we have seen folks come and go who claimed to be believes but when tested by the trials of life after deserted the faith. There is nothing that breaks my heart more than to see someone walk away from the faith.

John MacArthur writes the following from his commentary on Galatians:

Defection and desertion are contemptible because they involve disloyalty and betrayal. Few things are more tragic or disappointing than a Christian who deserts the purity of the gospel for a false form of Christianity that presumes to improve on the finished work of Christ. Yet that is what many believers in the Galatian churches had done or were in danger of doing because of the Judaizers. Throughout the history of the church some believers have begun well but later have been pulled away from the truths they first believed and followed. They receive the gospel of salvation by grace and live for the Lord in humble faith, but then fall prey to some system of legalism and works righteousness that promises more but produces much less. Some fall into formalism, substituting external ceremonies and rites for the internal reality of personal growth in the Lord. Others fall into legalistic systems of do’s and don’ts, proudly hoping to improve their standing before God by doing or not doing certain things. Still others look for a second blessing-a spiritual secret to unlock some higher plane of spirituality, an additional experience of grace-hoping to receive more of God than they imagine was granted to them at conversion.

We need to take the warning from Paul seriously. We need to examine ourselves to see that what we are being exposed to is tested through the filter of the Word of God. I have been charged by God, as your Pastor, to teach and preach to you the truth of scripture. I am zealous for you and your spiritual growth. The Elders of Grace Harvest are committed to teach the truth that sets us free and to protect you from wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark