READING: Galatians 1-3
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: I know I believe the gospel. It is central to my life. All that I do is connected to this message that is so clearly God’s Word. By no means do I ever want to change it or compromise it.
And yet, today’s reading reminds me that even the strongest followers of Jesus can fall into the trap of compromise. The Galatians had done so, even after believing the gospel. False teachers had arisen among them and convinced them that they must be circumcised in order to follow Christ. The time period between their establishment and their turning to false teaching was apparently so short that Paul was astonished: “I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from Him who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel” (Gal. 1:6).
Even Peter, the apostle whom God convinced of His love for the Gentiles through a vision in Acts 10, fell into the trap. He had been participating in meals with Gentiles and Jews alike, but then he chose to eat only with Jewish believers when men from the Jerusalem church arrived. Seemingly out of some level of intimidation, he backed off his commitment to share a meal with all believers — and other Christians, including Barnabas, followed his path. Needless to say, Paul was not pleased: “But when Cephas [Peter] came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned” (Gal. 2:11).
Apparently, even believers can be sidetracked from the truth. In a world dominated by false teachings, living in the truth is a moment-by-moment surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit as we encounter God in His Word. That’s one reason why we must hear Him through His Word every day — only when we know His truth well can we recognize the subtle lies of the enemy.
ACTION STEPS: In the power of the Spirit, be ever alert today to any place you might compromise God’s Word through your thoughts, your beliefs, or your actions. Halt the process before it takes root.
PRAYER: “Father, remind me that I, too, am susceptible to being led astray. Keep me in Your Word every day.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Galatians 4-6
