Confidence and Warning

Galatian Liberty • Galatians 5:7-12 • July 24, 2022 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

Paul expressed hope that the Galatians would choose the right point of view, although his dismay could still be felt. He would point out that a little leaven or wrong teaching can grow to dangerous levels, leading to severance from God’s grace. Moreover, those who hinder people from believing the gospel will suffer the penalty, which is the curse he mentioned. Paul would then address a piece of wrong information about him. He sarcastically asked why he was still persecuted if he preached circumcision. In strong words, he revealed his wish that those who disturb the Galatians would become emasculated.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 

Galatians 5:7-12 ESV

7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!

Notes

Paul expressed hope that the Galatians would choose the right point of view, although his dismay could still be felt. He would point out that a little leaven or wrong teaching can grow to dangerous levels, leading to severance from God’s grace. Moreover, those who hinder people from believing the gospel will suffer the penalty, which is the curse he mentioned. Paul would then address a piece of wrong information about him. He sarcastically asked why he was still persecuted if he preached circumcision. In strong words, he revealed his wish that those who disturb the Galatians would become emasculated.

  1. A little leaven
    Paul asked a probing question. Who stopped you from obeying the gospel? Such was not from God. Paul warned that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough, meaning little false teachings can grow to more enormous proportions (5:7-9).
    7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

  2. Confidence and Warning
    Paul gave an encouraging statement. He believed that the Galatian believers would take the proper perspective. Moreover, Paul warned that those who taught a distorted gospel would bear the penalty (5:10).
    10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.

  3. Defense and Wish
    Paul seemed to address a rumor about him. He clarified that he does not preach circumcision; otherwise, he would not experience any more persecution. Then revealed his wish that the false teachers would emasculate themselves (5:11-12).
    11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!

Application

  1. Give no space
    A little leaven leavens the whole lump, which means a slight inaccuracy in the gospel can lead to a distorted gospel. Thus, we should give no space for any inaccuracy. We should always stand firm on what is revealed in Scripture.

  2. Share hope but warn
    Let us proclaim a gospel without distortions. Let us convince others to proclaim a gospel without distortions. Everyone must respect the gospel as revealed in Scripture; otherwise, there is a penalty.

  3. Defend the gospel
    Let us defend the gospel that justification and righteousness are through faith alone. And push back as hard as we can against all who disturb the faith of many. Let us pray that they lose the energy to proclaim a false gospel.

Reflection & Discussion

  1. Explain the concept of leaven with a false gospel.

  2. What was Paul’s warning and wish for those disturbing the Galatians?

  3. Paul was confident that the Galatians would have the correct view. How important is the point of view concerning the gospel?