Galatians 4:16 (ESV)
Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?
Galatians 5:7 (ESV)
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?
Perhaps one of the greatest issues facing our society are how quickly a false narrative can take over the speech and mood of a community, or even nation. For some reason, unless something is said about us, we tend to believe what is said about someone, as though it were truth. Churches are not exempt from false narratives dominating the congregations collective mindset. Jesus said these two things in regard to the truth. The first is stated to and about the religious leaders of the day (who are not exempt from false narratives) and the second is said to His disciples:
John 8:44 (ESV)
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:32 (ESV)
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Paul, in the book of Galatians, is blown away that so soon after his departure from their churches that they are allowing a false narrative of teaching to infiltrate their Body and take them captive in the mindset to produce bad behavior in the body. God sent Paul to have him preach the gospel of faith in the truth. Yet, someone came in to teach a gospel of works. It is so easy to believe what we hear and not measure it against a standard of truth. But, that is our responsibility as we hold the truth of Jesus Christ in our hearts and minds. Paul said it this way to the Roman believers:
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
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