A Passion For The Gospel & God’s People | Richard Caldwell | Galatians 1:6-10

Scripture

• Galatians 1:6–10

About this sermon

God’s people are not a finished product on this side of eternity. We are all under construction. We are all subject to failing tests. We are all battling sin and the weaknesses of our flesh. And as a result, not only are we often a disappointment to ourselves, but we can also prove to be a disappointment to each other. We can, indeed, be AMAZINGLY disappointing. Behavior can disappoint. Attitudes can disappoint. Perspectives and judgments can disappoint. Decisions can disappoint. What is lacking in a moment — like courage or loyalty — can disappoint. But the most disappointing possibility of all is when God’s people entertain false teachers and false teaching. The most sobering disappointment is when God’s people entertain doctrines that would destroy them if they don’t reject them. TO SEE PEOPLE BEING INFLUENCED BY ERROR. TO SEE PEOPLE FLIRT WITH DAMNABLE LIES. OF ALL THE DISAPPOINTMENTS THAT A PASTOR CAN EXPERIENCE, THE MOST FEARFUL AND POWERFUL IS WATCHING PEOPLE GIVING AN OPEN DOOR, AN ATTRACTIONAL INTEREST, TO DOCTRINES THAT WOULD DESTROY THEM. That is precisely what Paul has become aware of in the case of the Galatian churches. HE IS NOT SURPRISED BY THE ACTIVITY OF FALSE TEACHERS IN GENERAL OR EVEN THE JUDAIZERS IN SPECIFIC — they have been a constant source of conflict wherever he has preached the gospel. WHAT IS SHOCKING TO THE APOSTLE ARE THE REPORTS OF THE OPENNESS ON THE PART OF THE GALATIAN CHURCHES TO THOSE DAMNING INFLUENCES. The result is THE MOST IMPASSIONED — STRAIGHT TO THE POINT — PLEA in the form of an entire letter that we have in the New Testament. Paul is like a mother watching her children being lured away by someone who would murder them. It’s like he has started all over with them. NAS Galatians 4:17 They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out, in order that you may seek them. 18 But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you-- 20 but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. So now Paul goes to war on behalf of the life of the Galatian churches. He has seen that the truth is under attack, the very gospel itself has come under attack, and HE MAKES CLEAR that this is no small matter. IN THE STRONGEST WAY POSSIBLE, PAUL CALLS UPON THE GALATIANS TO WAKE UP AND INSIST ON THE TRUTH, RETURN TO THE TRUTH, DEFEND THE TRUTH, AND TO REJECT THOSE WHO BEWITCH THEM. This morning, we will outline our study of verses 6-10 around FOUR WORDS. Each of these words speaks of the urgency of the situation. 1. DESERTION (vs.6) 2. DISTORTION (vs.7) 3. DAMNATION (vs.8-9) 4. DEVOTION (vs.10) I. DESERTION (vs.6) This is what Paul was witnessing — what he was made aware of. The Galatians are in danger of apostasy. Several things to note in this verse. A. THE AMAZEMENT OF THE APOSTLE This is surprising and disturbing and, no doubt, disappointing. In fact, his response goes beyond disappointment, it moves him to urgent action. He couldn’t believe what he had been made aware of.