Today’s Bible reading is Galatians chapter 4
(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)
“Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” (Galatians 4:7)
If the devil cannot succeed in keeping you lost, then once you are saved he will seek to hinder you with false doctrine. False teaching hinders our spiritual progress and stunts spiritual growth. The devil doesn’t want us to know who we are in Christ. Paul said to the Galatian church, “I fear for you.” The false teachers sought to persuade the Galatian believers to follow them instead of Paul. Paul sensed their love was growing cold and realized how this would hinder the church. He said, “Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then?” He also said, “Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth? Those false teachers are so eager to win your favor, but their intentions are not good. They are trying to shut you off from me so that you will pay attention only to them.” (Galatians 4:16-17 NLT)
The threat of these false teachers against the church concerned Paul like a parent being concerned for a child. His heart was greatly burdened. Paul sought to win them back to the Gospel in love. He knew that making them aware of who they are in Christ would win them back, and cause the counterfeit gospel to lose its appeal. The Gospel of grace made me a child of God. I have a Father and He loves and cares for me.
Prayer: “Bless the Lord oh my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy name Jesus. Amen.”
Randy J. McPheron
T.H.E.M. 