Don’t Stray from The Truth: Stay Strong (Gal 1:6-10)

Don’t Stray from The Truth (Gal 1:6-10)

It’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends and opinions, but as Christians, we’re called to be different. An example is that we are called to ‘don’t stray from the truth’. We’re called to live a life that’s grounded in truth and guided by the Holy Spirit. In this session, we will explore Galatians 1:6-10, a passage that reminds us of the importance of staying true to the faith, no matter what the world around us says.

Paul is talking specifically to Christians and look at the seriousness and intensity he is using.

Galatians 1:6-10

⁶ I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, ⁷ which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. ⁸ But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! ⁹ As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

¹⁰ For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

Gal 1:6-10

How Can I Stay On Track?

As Christians, it’s important to stay grounded in the truth and not be swayed by the latest trends or opinions. Here are 5 tips to stay true to the faith:

1. Attend a Bible-believing church

Find a church that preaches and teaches the Word of God and go there regularly. I will say it is getting harder and harder to find a good church. We could have a really long talk on what makes a good church. But here it is in a nutshell:

• The Preacher preaches from the Bible. If he explains some Hebrew and Greek words, that’s a good indication.
• A high view of the scripture.
• Salvation is through faith in Jesus alone.
• The church is concerned about Missions (reaching the world for Jesus).
• The church has a weekly prayer meeting.
• The church does not “Major in the Minors”.  What are the Minors you ask? Good question!

2. Study the Word of God

Spend time daily in God’s Word, studying it and meditating (thinking) on it. As a result, you will start to understand the truth and stay grounded in it. The more time you spend with God, the less time you have to go off-course.

Unfortunately, the world doesn’t find it fashionable or ‘cool’ to know the Bible. They want to be distracted by whatever is being promoted as the latest, greatest cool thing. 

A Christian has the desire to know more about the Bible because we know that is how best to learn about the God we serve. Maybe you aren’t as passionate about reading your Bible as you hear others are. But don’t worry about that. But do worry if you have no desire to read the Bible. How can someone who is on a journey not want to be looking at their map? That’s why God’s Word is our map. 

If you have no desire to open God’s Word on a consistent basis, please pray about it. Reading daily will definitely help you grow and be stronger in your faith. 

3. Pray

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you wisdom and discernment as you navigate through life. Prayer is one of the most important habits for us to cultivate. As your prayer life increases, you open yourself up to God and bare your soul to Him. Your relationship can only grow if all parties involved talk, right? So spend time talking with your Father and with Jesus. Talk, then listen. Then you will see changes happening.

4. Memorize Scripture

Memorizing Scripture can help you to recall it when faced with difficult situations or decisions. Also, this is a marathon. You want to get as many tools under your belt as you can for this journey. As you get more tools (i.e. memorized scripture), you will see change. Likewise, as you sharpen the tools you have, things will change for you.

• Psalm 119:11 – “Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.”
• Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

5. Guard your heart and mind

Be careful what you allow into your mind and heart, and be discerning about what you read, watch, and listen to. The computer expression GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out) is absolutely true. 

Things that make you go hmm…

• What music do you listen to?
• What shows do you watch? 
• How many sports games do you watch? 
• Is it more important that you catch the game or catch the sermon?
• How many sermons did you see this week? Yes, you might want to find a few preachers you really enjoy listening to.

Kick Your Growth Into Overdrive

• Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
• Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Practice discernment

Test everything against the Word of God and be discerning about what you believe and accept as truth. Then you be able to see and separate fact from fiction.

As God’s Word says:

• Matthew 7:15-16 – “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.”
• Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
• Hebrews 5:14 – “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
• Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”
• 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 – “But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
• 1 John 4:1 – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

None of us are perfect, nor will we ever be this side of Heaven. But we can strive to continue to improve. It takes a lot of effort to not divert from the truth. It is all too easy for us to get distracted. Be somewhat patient with yourself.

For the Seeker or the Unsure

I know that not everyone reading this is a Christian. If that’s you, I want to talk to you specifically for a second. I care about where you spend eternity. What we are talking about has eternal consequences. So, please read this knowing that I wish you the best for you. 

Being a Christian is not easy, and that is why most are reading this. They know that becoming a Christian is a huge commitment. There is no such thing as being a Christian because you got fire insurance at some meeting or in a Mall. You aren’t a Christian because you go to church every Sunday, or because you said a prayer, or because you were raised in a Christian home. A Christian is someone who knows they are a sinner, believes the Word Of God, accepts the Bible as the Truth of God, and has committed their life to follow Jesus.

God loves you and desires a relationship with you

John 3:16-17 in the New Testament: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” 

Sin separates you from God

Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Jesus Christ is the only way to God

John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”

You must receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord

Acts 2:38 – “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”

Conclusion

Whether you’re a Christian or not and want to know more about having a relationship with God through Jesus, please leave a comment. I would love to provide you with more insight and resources to help you on your journey.

God Bless,

DonR