Isaiah 15-18 / Galatians 1 / Psalm 58 / Proverbs 23:12
Truth is said by some to be relative. Relative to what? Isn’t truth, truth? Some would say that truth varies based upon the situation. I don’t call that truth; I call that the creative solution to a certain problem in a moment. There is one Truth that I believe is foundational to all of life. If we attempt to build upon any other body of beliefs, we will find our houses falling for lack of stability.
Galatians 1:9 is very direct when it states, “As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!”
Let’s define two words before we explore how scary that statement is. The word Gospel is the word euangelizo (yoo-ang-ghel-id-zo) in the original Greek language and means good news. The word curse is the word anathema (an-ath-em-ah) and means a person or thing doomed to destruction.
Y’all, this sounds like bad news to me! Reading that verse causes me to want to get the message of the Gospel correct so that I remain under God’s blessing and not His curse. Of course, since I’m His, I do not believe I can be under His curse. Holy Spirit is working in and through me to reveal Truth, and for that I’m thankful.
This verse is likely referring to those who claim to know Jesus Christ but do not actually know Him. Perhaps this message is spoken to those who would use a false message to gain followers for financial gain or to make them feel important. Unbelievably, this happens. I have a hard time understanding people who would intentionally deceive others, but sadly they exist.
If you hear a message, how do you know you’re hearing truth? Holy Spirit will witness the message within your heart. In other words, through discernment you’ll know whether what you’re hearing is truth. You’ll also be able to discern the motives of the one bringing the message.
The message of the Gospel is simple, yet profound. Romans 1:16 The Passion Translation I refuse to be ashamed of the wonderful message of God’s liberating power unleashed in us through Christ! For I am thrilled to preach that everyone who believes is saved—the Jew first, and then people everywhere!
The wonderful message mentioned in that verse is the Gospel and it has the power to set people free from sin, sickness, and demonic influence. No other message can do that! Only the Gospel can bring freedom to someone. Jesus paid for our freedom and as we share the message, Holy Spirit is present to bring belief and miracles. That is the message I want to believe and share.
Can you imagine sharing a message that is said to be Good News, yet no one is changed by it? No one healed, no one delivered from demons, and no one who comes to know Christ. What a waste of time and energy! I have no interest in wasting my time preaching or listening to such a powerless message.
Lord, make us aware of Truth. Lead us toward Your message in the earth, and away from all false messages. Give us discernment and give us the courage to combat all false messages.
