Just do it, see what happens
Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between true and false teaching. The Holy Spirit contrasts the difference, not only through the inspired teaching of Paul but by inspired actions and their supernatural consequences. Galatians 4:12-20 provides a crystal clear example of speaking the truth in love, a core principle of the Christian Faith, and only possible by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. The Gospel speaks the truth in love, false teaching lies for selfish gain.
Scripture
Galatians 4:12-20 ESV Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. [13] You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, [14] and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. [15] What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. [16] Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? [17] They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. [18] It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, [19] my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! [20] I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
Bible Study Questions
The truth inspires us to become all things to all people
Galatians 4:12 ESV Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong.
1 Corinthians 9:20-23 ESV To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. [21] To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. [22] To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. [23] I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
The truth inspires us to make the most of every opportunity
Galatians 4:13 -14 ESV You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 4:2-4 ESV preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. [3] For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, [4] and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
False teaching hurts relationships and robs us
Galatians 4:15 ESV What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 ESV If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, [4] he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, [5] and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
The truth divides to expose what’s genuine
Galatians 4:16 ESV Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?
1 Corinthians 11:18-19 ESV For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, [19] for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
Flattery exposes selfish ambition that shuts us out
Galatians 4:17 ESV They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them.
2 Peter 2:17-19 ESV These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. [18] For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. [19] They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.
The truth is painful but forms Christ in us
Galatians 4:18 ESV It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, [19] my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!
The truth disciplines in love and draws us in
Galatians 4:20 ESV I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
Ephesians 4:15 ESV Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,