Have you ever found yourself struggling to consistently and effectively grow in your Christian walk? Perhaps you have become complacent in your faith, allowing worldly influences to distract you from pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ. May you’ve been deceived. Today’s blog focuses on Galatians 3:1-5, where the Apostle Paul admonishes the Galatians for their foolishness in turning away from the simple truth of the Gospel and falling back into legalism.
Contents
How to Not Be Foolish (Deceived)
Let’s look at some valuable insights on how to avoid the pitfalls of foolishness and deceit. And instead, grow in our faith. So, join me as we explore the theology of Galatians 3:1-5. Discover practical applications for daily life in “How to Not Be Foolish.” Join me on this journey of learning how to consistently deepen our relationship with Christ.
3 1You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
What Is Legalism?
Legalism is a rigid adherence to a set of laws or rules as a means of attaining salvation. Or it tries to give the perception of being better than you are. This mindset often leads one to believe that your actions and behavior determine your standing before God. No, wrong. Rather, or in reality, it is only faith in Jesus Christ. Remember, the Bible makes it clear that we are saved by faith in Christ alone.
Why is Following the Law Foolish?
See that Paul chastises the Galatians about their foolishness in leaving the Gospel. He asks them, “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?” That’s the same as him asking “Who deceived you?”
The Galatians were led astray by people claiming that they needed to follow laws and customs to be saved. But Paul reminded them that it was by faith alone that they were saved, not by following the law.
Paul also reminded them that they had received the Holy Spirit not by following the law, but by faith (Galatians 3:5). The law was given as a guide to show us your sin and our need for a Savior. And Jesus Christ fulfilled the law for you (Matthew 5:17).
So, in summary, following the law without faith in Jesus Christ is foolish because it cannot save you. Only faith in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross can save us and give us the Holy Spirit to live transformed lives. We should not rely on our own works to earn salvation, but instead, trust in Jesus Christ alone.
How Did They Get Deceived?
Prosperity Gospel: Health, Wealth, and Happiness
- I guess these false teachers skipped the following passages when they skimmed their Bible.
- Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…”
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10 – “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation…”
Universalism
- In Universalism, people believe that God will save every person in the end, irrespective of their personal beliefs or actions.
- This belief denies the Biblical teaching of salvation solely through faith in Jesus Christ.
Again, basic Bible reading helps.
- John 14:6 – “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
- Acts 4:12 – “And there is salvation in no one else…”
- Matthew 25:46 – “These will go away into eternal punishment…”.
- Does this even remotely sound like All good boys go to Heaven?
New Age Spirituality
- Methods of self-help that do not acknowledge the sole Truth cannot achieve spiritual growth. They only vie for your attention to replace the Holy Spirit’s rightful role in your life.
- Be vigilant against this type of thinking at all times.
Dominion Theology
- This ideology calls Christians to establish ‘God’s will’ on earth. This is hardly ever God’s will though.
- It expects you to take over the world’s political, social, and economic institutions.
- Imposing and enforcing man-made rules and laws can lead to legalism, which of course we should avoid.
- Shouldn’t you live by the Spirit?
- Shouldn’t you seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your actions?
Feel-good Messages that Avoid Hard Truth
- They underestimate the severity of sin and its consequences.
- They avoid the call to repent and be transformed.
- Are you trying to live your best life now? If so, you’re kissing eternal peace goodbye.
- They create a false sense of assurance and hinder urgency.
- And, they dishonor God’s holiness and justice.
How To Not Be Deceived
Take my points below as encouragement. Go through these in your prayer and study time. If you’ve read my previous blogs, you may recognize some of these points. Are you wondering why I repeated them? Do you think I’m out of material? Heck no! These are the core foundation of a well-lived Christian life. Ingrain these firmly in your thinking. Why? Because I want you to succeed in your Christian journey.
- Are you attending a Biblically sound church?
- Are you listening to Biblically sound and faithful teachers?
- Engage in critical thinking and discernment.
- Don’t separate Christian living from doctrine.
- Be aware of how certain buzzwords can be used to manipulate.
- Don’t overemphasize subjective experiences over truth.
- Remember that true Christianity is about how we live, not just what we know.
- Prioritize God’s glory over your own comfort.
Conclusion
So, what do you think? What are you struggling with? Are you like me, someone who wants to try to gain God’s acceptance? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time…
God Bless,
DonR