The Perils of Turning from Grace!

 

Freedom in Christ- 8

 

TITLE: The Perils of Turning from Grace!

TEXT: Galatians 4:8-20

TONE: Warning

TARGET: Believers

TASK: To warn believers of the dangers of turning from grace.

TEACH: Imagine a sturdy ship sailing through a foggy night on a vast ocean. The captain, experienced yet weary, relies heavily on the guiding light of a distant lighthouse to navigate safely to shore. As the ship approaches, the captain and crew noticed a flickering light nearby -a party of boats, filled with enthusiastic party goers beckoning them to join in their fun festivities. The allure of the party, promising excitement and a break from their monotonous voyage, grows stronger with each passing moment. Driven by curiosity and the desire for adventure, the captain decides to turn away from the lighthouse, believing the thrill of the party may offer something more fulfilling than the stead guidance of the light.

 

Initially, the crew is exhilarated, laughing and celebrating as they drift toward the captivating party boats. However, as the fog thickens, they soon realize that the sounds of fun are masking the danger that surround them. The party boats are carelessly navigating through shallow water, unaware of the perilous rocks just beneath the surface. The captain, now realizing the folly of abandoning the lighthouse, attempts to steer the ship back to safety, but the fog had thickened, and the rocks loom closer.

 

In this moment of panic, the crew recognizes the consequences of their choice to turn away from the guiding light of the lighthouse. They find themselves trapped between the allure of the party and the danger of hidden rocks. The thrill they sought had transformed into a desperate struggle for safety as they scramble to return to the lighthouse that illuminated their path. It was too late and the ship was torn apart by the rocks.

 

This illustration captures the perils of turning from grace. Just as the ship’s crew was drawn away from the lighthouse, believers can be lured away from the grace of the Gospel by enticing distractions and misguided zeal. The initial thrill may seem appealing, but the true danger lies beneath the surface among the rocks of confusion and false teaching, which can shipwreck ones faith.

 

TRUTH: Paul reveals the true motivation behind his solemn charge to the Galatians and it is his heartfelt concern for them. His anguish illustrates and demonstrates the deep bond between a pastor and his flock, highlighting the importance of genuine relationship in spiritual growth. Once again, we see the true tone of a leader who desires spiritual maturity in his flock.

 

He begins by urging them to become like him, I beg of you…become as I am, highlighting his own transformation and the freedom he found in Christ. This appeal is not merely a call for conformity but an invitation to share in the grace and joy that he has experienced. Paul recalls the warm welcome they extended to him when he first preached the Gospel among them, despite physical ailments, suggesting that their initial reception was marked by love and compassion. Paul stated, because of a bodily illness that Paul had preached the gospel to them the first time. And the believers there did not despise or loathe Paul’s affliction.

 

He emphasizes that their acceptance of him was not based on his status or health but on the message of salvation he brought, which resonated deeply with their hearts. Paul’s reference to the sacrifices he made and the trials he endured for their sake underscored his genuine concern for their spiritual well-being.

 

But now he asks them, where then is that sense of blessing (feeling of joy and contentedness) you had? For I bear witness, that if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. He laments the possibility that they may have turned away from the grace of God. His tone and expression illustrate the heart of a true pastor who longs for the spiritual growth of his flock and is grieved over their regression.

 

After only a few years, however, the situation had radically changed. Now Paul asked in bewilderment, have I therefore become your enemy by telling you the truth. Many people appreciate a preacher or teacher only as long as he says what they want to hear. The Galatians had once admired and appreciated Paul, but now they looked on him as their enemy.

 

These believers are in danger. Danger of what?

 

First Danger:

I.                            They forgot the plight of their past predicament.

 

Explanation: Paul reminds those believers of the time, when they did not know God and were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. Before they came to Christ their religion was that of works and they were slaves to various man-made gods that were actually no gods at all.

 

Paul recalls the Galatians’ past, a time when they were enslaved to “worthless idols” and lived under the oppressive weight of paganism. This state of spiritual bondage is a critical aspect of their former lives, as it highlights the futility and the emptiness of worshiping false gods. Paul contrasts this past with the transformative power of the Gospel, emphasizing that their relationship with God through Christ has liberated them from such enslavement. By invoking their former predicament, he urges them to remember their past ruin, which serves as a backdrop for the riches we have in Christ.

 

Paul wrote further, but now you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, Paul asks in bewilderment, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and desire to be enslaved all over again? Now that you are adopted children, why would you ever want to become a slave again?

 

The Galatians were determined to follow the agitators’ agenda by adopting adherence to the law and adding that to their faith in Christ would mean “completing” their relationship with God. But, as Paul has made clear throughout his argument, such a step of addition is in face subtraction, implicitly calling into question the adequacy of God’s provision in Christ. (Douglas Moo, Galatians: NECT, pg. 276.)

 

Understanding their former predicament lays the groundwork for appreciating the freedom and redemption available through Christ. This awareness is essential for the Galatians to fully grasp the magnitude of their salvation. The stark contrast between their past and present not only accentuates the grace they have received but also serves as a warning against the allure of reverting to legalism. BY remember their past, the Galatians can cultivate gratitude for the redemptive work of Christ. (see: Ephesians 2:1-10)

 

Application: We too need to remember the plight of our past predicament.

 

Second Danger:

II.                        They submitted to the pull of legalism

 

Explanation: Among the weak and worthless elemental things to which some of the Galatians were returning was the ritualistic observance of days and months and seasons and years.

 

In these verses, Paul articulates his deep concern for the Galatians as they begin to revert to the observance of special days, months, seasons, and years. This regression signifies a dangerous turn toward legalism -an adherence to rituals and rules that surpasses the grace and freedom secured through faith in Christ.

 

The word “elements” refers to the religious practices of the Galatians in their pre-Christian past. Paul believes that to go forward into Judaism virtually equates with heathenism. It is akin to returning to the impotence of paganism. (Moo, NECT, pg. 277).

 

Paul’s fears that if the Galatians choose this path, they are not only undermining the Gospel but also risking the futility of his ministry among them.  I fear for you, he lamented, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain. His labor, which was intended to lead them into freedom and a deep relationship with God, could become meaningless if they abandon the core message of grace in exchange for a system of law that can never save.

 

Paul’s warning of their present peril reinforces the theme of maintaining freedom in Christ versus falling back into a burdensome system of law. The contrast between grace and legalism is pivotal in Paul’s argument; grace liberates, while legalism enslaves. It serves as a reminder to the Galatians and to us -that the Christian faith is not about adhering to a checklist of rules but about living in the freedom and love that Christ provides. Paul’s appeal is not merely a theological argument; it is a passionate plea for the Galatians to recognize the perilous path they are treading.

 

Application: We too must avoid the danger of submitting to the pull of legalism.

 

Third Danger:

III.                   They were ignorant of the pitfalls of misguided zeal.

 

Explanation: In this passage, Paul again warns the Galatians about their real enemies. They eagerly seek you, but not commendably. The term seek carries the idea of takes a serious interest in someone and was often used of a man courting a woman. Their true intent and objective was to shut…out the Galatians from God’s grace.

 

Paul expresses concern over the Galatians’ response to his previous teachings. He poses a poignant question: has he become their adversary because he speaks the truth? This rhetorical question underscores the discomfort that often accompanies the confrontation of error.

 

Paul highlights that while some individuals may display fervent zeal for the Galatians, their enthusiasm is not rooted in love or genuine concern for their spiritual well-being. Instead, it may stem from ulterior motives, such as a desire for personal gain. This prompts Paul to urge the Galatians to exercise discernment, encouraging them to look beyond surface-level enthusiasm and asses the true intentions behind those who seek to influence others.

 

Paul’s admonition serves as a reminder that zeal, while often perceived as a positive attribute, can be misleading when not aligned with the truth of Christ. The Galatians are called to be vigilant against influences that may lead them astray, because not every passionate advocate is a genuine bearer of Gospel truth.

 

It is crucial to recognize that misguided zeal can manifest in various forms, from well-intentioned but erroneous teachings to manipulative tactics employed by false leaders. In today’s context, this can be seen in the rise of various movements that claim to represent Christian values while distorting the essence of the Gospel.

 

What we need to understand is that Paul is pleading for them as a mother would a wayward child. Paul was committed to them and would not forsake them until Christ was formed in them. Paul is referring to Christlike character.

The imagery of Christ being ‘formed’ within the Galatians suggests that Paul will not be content until Christ so dominates their lives that there can be no possible change from a settled spiritual condition (Moo, NECT, pg. 289).

 

Paul wishes he could use a different tone but the circumstances force him to address them otherwise, using argument and a rebuking tone to bring them back to submission to the “truth of the gospel” (Moo, NECT, pg. 290).

 

Application: We too must cultivate a spirit of discernment by engaging with the Scriptures.

 

TAKE-AWAY:

 

1.      YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO REMEMBER: Your past predicament.

2.      YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO AVOID: The pull of legalism.

3.      YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO CULTIVATE: A spirit of discernment.

 

We must agonize over those who are endangered by another gospel, not that there is one. Paul had labored hard and suffered much to see the Galatians converted to Christ. But he was prepared to go through labor pains again to see them recovered from the soul-destroying message of the false teachers. We too are to labor by grace to see those who are deluded cast aside the lie. Do you know someone in this position?

 

TIE-UP: In the illustration at the beginning of this message the lighthouse symbolizes the unwavering truth of God’s grace, which provides the guidance and safety necessary for navigating the complexities of life. When believers turn away from grace, they risk losing their way and encountering the treacherous consequences of misguided choices. The call is clear: Remain anchored in grace and navigates life journey by faith.

 © 2012 - 2025 Blake Gideon. All rights Reserved