Protect The Gospel: Safeguard Its Purity and Stand Firm(Gal 2:1-5)

Protect The Gospel’s Purity. What does protect mean’?  What does purity really mean? Why should you care? Let’s dig into these questions, and figure out how to be a “Special Forces Christian”, while being humble and respectful. It all starts with being ready.

“Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.

But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.”

^{Gal 2:1-5}

What is Purity?

Hebrew for Purity / Pure

The Hebrew word for purity is “taharah” (טָהֳרָה). It is often used in the Old Testament to refer to physical cleanliness, such as ritual purity laws regarding the handling of certain objects, or the purification of individuals who had come into contact with something unclean. It can also be used metaphorically to refer to moral purity, such as in Psalm 51:7 where David asks God to “purify” him from his sin.

In Hebrew, the word for “pure” is “bar” (בָּר). This word is used to describe something that is clean, clear, or free from impurities. It is often used to describe precious metals, such as gold or silver, that have been refined and purified.

Greek for Purity / Pure

The Greek word for purity is “hagneia” (ἁγνεία). It is used in the New Testament to refer to moral purity. The idea of purity is closely linked to holiness, righteousness, and obedience to God’s commands.

In Greek, the word for “pure” is “katharos” (καθαρός). This word is used to describe something that is clean, clear, or free from defilement. 

What about ‘Purity’ today?

Today, the world associates pure and purity with cleanliness, hygiene, and health, eating organic foods, using natural skin care products, or avoiding toxins in the environment. Sometimes it is viewed in a context of emotional or mental clarity, free from negative thoughts or influences.

Think about these words and see if you can ‘guess’ what the modern world thinks of Christian purity.

• Family Values
• Abstinence
• Pro-Life
• Modest clothing and make-up
• Avoiding foul language
• Here’s one hot off the presses…. Gender roles

How do I Protect the Gospel?

People naturally protect what they cherish, value, and hold dear. To protect means to prevent or deter harm, damage, loss, and potential threat. The Gospel is the most valuable and precious message we, as Christians, have been entrusted with. It is our duty to protect its purity. 

We must actively work to maintain its integrity, prevent it from being contaminated or corrupted, and safeguard it against any distortions or deviations from its true meaning. By protecting the Gospel’s purity, we preserve its power to transform lives and bring hope to the world and honor its message by being a living witness to its transforming power.

That’s nice, But How?

 #1 – Start by not adding or subtracting from the words in the Bible.

Deuteronomy 4:2 states “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.”

Proverbs 30:5-6 states “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.” 

#2 – Follow up by understanding what the words mean.  

Really study the Bible.  

As an example, find out what the relevant Greek and Hebrew words in a passage mean.

PSA (lol): I will be providing a short course on How to Study the Bible soon.  So, stay tuned for that.

#3 – Do not use worldly philosophy and psychology to understand it.  

1 Timothy 6:20-21 – “O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”— which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you.”

The Bible means what it says. It’s up to us to be sure we ask the Holy Spirit for help. We don’t need to ask some non-believing ‘expert’.

#4 – Ask someone in a bible believing church for help and guidance if you need it.

#5 – Be Ready to Defend the Faith!

Jude 3 – “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.”

1st Peter 3:15-16 says, “…always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;…” 

What does it mean to ‘contend’?

To quote one of my beloved Pastors, I know a little Greek.

The Greek word for “contend” in Jude 3 is ἐπαγωνίζομαι (epagonizomai), which means to earnestly contend, struggle or fight for something. It’s a compound word that literally means to “agonize upon” or “struggle upon.” It implies a sense of intense struggle and effort as if engaged in a physical battle. Did you see the ‘agoniz’ in the middle of the word?

However, to paraphrase Voddie Bachum, “Apologetics is NOT just for ‘Special Forces Christians’”.

What is Apologetics?

I’ll keep this short and sweet for now. There can be a lot more to it; based on what God calls you to, and also where He calls you from. But those are discussions for another day.

The Greek phrase for ‘give an account’ in 1 Peter 3:15-16 is “ἀπολογίαν ἔχοντες” (apologian echontes). “apologia” means defense or answer, while “echontes” means having or possessing. Therefore, the phrase can be translated as “having a defense” or “possessing an answer.”

The word gets a bad rap in most ‘Christian’ settings. In a nutshell, apologetics is basically when someone asks you (notice I did not say YOU go looking to prove someone wrong) why you believe what you believe… um..  be ready with an answer for them, and be ready to explain it. Actually rather simple when you remove the fear and war mongering from the discussion with wishy-washy ‘Churchians’.

Be Ye Nice

But you cannot forget the rest of 1 Peter 3:15-16: “…yet with gentleness and reverence…”. It also emphasizes maintaining a humble and respectful attitude toward those who may not believe as you do. The goal is not to win an argument or prove someone wrong, but to share the truth of the Gospel in a way that is winsome and compelling.

By the way, both of these passages are in the context of the whole body of believers. Neither even so much as insinuates to leave this thing of apologetics to the tough or smart guys.

This isn’t some deep theology debate you need to give. You do not need to be an expert in any world religion or worldview, because you do not believe them (right?). But, this is why it is important to go back up a bit and re-read #1 – #4. You have a responsibility to God, to the body of believers, and to those honestly seeking for the truth to be able to explain it to them.

If you want to know more about this, leave a comment.  Let’s start a discussion on it so everyone can benefit.

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