QT 10/7/2022 Gal 6:12-16, Wash ideas in the word

Galatians 6:12–16 (ESV) —

12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

 

NOTE: It seems as if some Jewish Christian were more interested in the statistics of their ministry than the truth of the gospel. They used a key performance indicator (KPI) of "Gentiles circumcised" to track their ministry progress. There were certainly a group of those ultra-legalists in the Jerusalem church as evidenced in Acts 15.

 

Acts 15:1 (ESV) — But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

 

They may have been entirely committed, well-meaning, and believers as well, just completely wrong in their theology. I suppose it is good to see that doctrinal purity was just a struggle then as it is today. It is sad to see so many churches that disagree in theological matters. Some are understandable and minor, but it is the cults (Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, etc)  that disagree on major areas. Maybe they started with well-meaning believers, and maybe there are a few within them, but they are not advancing  the gospel of Christ but hiding the truth from view. Counterfeits will be seen. No one counterfeits a three-dollar bill or a $1003 bill, because there is no real underlying truth. The evil one counterfeits faith because he knows truth exists.

 

PONDER:

1. What am I doing to protect myself from developing counterfeit truth in my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, the only true protection from falsity is a deep and abiding relationship with you built and sustained on the word of God. When our truth comes from the world, it will be wrong in time. But when our truth comes from the word, it might be wrong at first, but daily washing of the word and spirit exposes falsity.