“So Then, Am I Become Your Enemy,
By Telling You The Truth?”
Galatians 4:16
Paul wrote to rescue the Galatians from the tyranny of false brethren (2:4) ,who would sever them from Christ (5:4) , by having them rely upon keeping certain items from the law of Moses (5:3) . Paul was adamant: “For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled with a yoke of bondage.” (5:1)
“So then, am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth? They zealously seek you in no good way; no, they desire to shut you out, that you may seek them.” (4:16-17)
Those Jews sought control over the Galatians , saying certain practices were essential. They were neither the first nor last, to seek control over others' faith. Jesus exposed those who sought to pipe the tune for others (Luke 7:31-2) , to bind burdens on others (Mt. 23:4 ), to cast out of the synagogue any who believed on him (John 9:20-23).
We find the same desire for control among the apostles (Mark 9:38-41), foretold of the Ephesians elders (Acts 20:30) , and exemplified by Diotrophes (3 John 9). The desire to control even Jesus , is prompted by Satan with amazing speed (Mt.16:23) . It continues, and none of us are immune to it. From small house churches, to large congregations; seeking to control others , to silence those who disagree -- reveals the pride of Satan.
“So then, am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth?”
7/3/06, #55