It Starts Small

⁷ You were running well. Who prevented you from obeying the truth? ⁸ This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. ⁹ A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough. ¹⁰ I myself am persuaded in the Lord you will not accept any other view. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. ¹¹ Now brothers and sisters, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. ¹² I wish those who are disturbing you might also let themselves be mutilated!

Galatians 5:7-12

You were running well

The Galatians ignited their journey with fervor! When Paul departed, their enthusiasm for faith was palpable, radiating hope and zeal. Yet, we must remember that starting strong doesn’t assure a victorious finish. Past obedience to God is no guarantee of current or future faithfulness. If you’ve engaged in ministry, you can surely recall countless individuals who once passionately pursued God. Sadly, many drifted away. This is a heartbreaking reality that stirs deep sorrow within us.

We see this tragedy unfold in the lives of others. Yet we must face a daunting truth: none of us are invulnerable. Every one of us can falter and drift away from God. Your marriage, once vibrant, can crumble under the weight of neglect. Your fervor for God can dim to a mere spark. We’ve all observed this too frequently. We cannot convince ourselves it’s a fate reserved for others alone. It can happen to us!

Paul passionately declares in the next verse, “Who hindered you?” Indeed, there will forever be those fiercely intent on hindering our journey. Occasionally, these adversaries attack head-on, boldly revealing themselves—the atheists and those who despise God. Yet more insidiously, they strike from within. Wolves cloaked in sheep’s clothing slyly infiltrate our midst. They do so under the guise of camaraderie. They shamelessly propagate their false teachings, sowing confusion and doubt. Sometimes, our very own loved ones are the source of this treachery. A spouse might gradually turn away from God. A parent could exert relentless pressure against our faith.

What steps can you take to make sure that you keep running well? What can you do to keep alert so that you won’t be hindered by others in your faith?

A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough.

In today’s world, we say that one bad apple spoils the entire basket! This is precisely why Paul stood unwaveringly against this insidious false teaching. If we allow it to linger, it will not just sit idle—it will fester and multiply! We must, with an unwavering spirit, refuse to tolerate any sin! We must also stand firm against any false teaching that dares to invade our homes. It can infiltrate our studies. Such teaching can undermine our fellowships or tarnish our churches. Unchecked bad counsel and misleading teachings can lead to dire consequences!

I myself am persuaded in the Lord you will not accept any other view

Paul expresses confidence that the Galatians will make the right choice.

⁷ It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:7

Paul is optimistic about the Galatians. He genuinely believes in their potential and ardently hopes for the very best for them. We must adopt this passionate attitude, choosing to believe in and expect the extraordinary from those we counsel and disciple.

if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted?

Here, Paul makes an interesting argument.

The logic goes like this:

• I am facing persecution (from certain groups).
• Those who truly believe would not target someone supporting circumcision. This argument is implied.
• Given that I am being persecuted, it follows that I am not promoting circumcision.
• If I were to endorse such a practice, I would be undermining the significance of the cross.
• Therefore, I urge you not to believe anyone who claims that I support the mandatory practice of circumcision.

But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. 

Paul fervently condemns false teachers, highlighting the grave danger they pose. This “curse” serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of pure and untainted teaching. We must divide the Word of Truth with diligence and accuracy. This ensures we do not become false teachers ourselves, even by accident. Reflect on your recent encounters with false teaching — what have you observed? When you confront such deceptions, what actions will you take to stand firm against them?

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Cross References:

• 1 Corinthians 13:7
• 1 John 4:1
• 2 Peter 2:1
• Matthew 7:15
• Matthew 17:6

Questions to Ponder:

• How did Paul describe the beginning of their Christian race?
• What had happened which had begun to hinder them?
• Share the top 3 things you can think of which may hinder new believers from running well?
• Based on the context, what false teaching had begun to make inroads into the Galatian church?
• What does the phrase a “little leaven leavens the whole lump” mean?
• How can you protect yourself, your family, and your church from false teaching?
• How did Paul feel about this false teacher? Was his reaction too extreme? Why or why not?

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