Some in the churches of Galatia did not like it when Paul told them, in Chapter 3 verse 28, that "there can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for all are one man in Christ Jesus." According to Chapter 4 verse 9, some had turned back to observing days, and months, and seasons, and years after the Law. I know that they didn't like hearing these kind of things because in verse 16 of chapter 4, he ask them "so then am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth?"
I wonder if today we react to being told the truth the same way that these people did? Do we make the messenger our enemy when he tells us the truth that perhaps doesn't fit our lifestyle? Do we make the preacher, the elders, the Bible class teacher or our brothers and sisters our enemy when they tell us the truth? Here are some truths that some in the Lord's church have become enemies with the bearers of the message.
Preachers, elders, and brothers and sisters tells us that we should attend all the services of the church. That includes Bible study periods, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening and any other service that is a part of the work of the church. How do we react when an elder calls or sends a note saying "We missed you at services?" One of the great lessons of Hebrews 10 is that we have a responsibility to provoke and exhort our brethren by being present when the church is assembled. Who will deny that it is good to assemble with other Christians? When we choose not to assemble, are we not failing to do good? According to James 4:17, if we know that it is good and we don't do it, it's sin. Think about it. Do we commit sin by forsaking the Sunday or Wednesday evening services of the church? Am I become your enemy by telling you the truth?
Parents, preachers, elders, and other Christians tell us that we must behave ourselves when we're in the assembly or at some service of the church. How do we react to this admonition? Do we get angry with the messenger? Young people who sleep, laugh, talk, or otherwise show a disrespect for the presence of the Son of God at the services of the church, how do you react when Bible class teachers demand that you show respect to the word of God? Do we ignore the fact that "we are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the innumerable host of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all"? (Hebrews 12:22-23). Old and young Christians need to realize that since we are "receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have thankfulness, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe" (Hebrews 12:28). Parents, elders, preachers, and Bible class teachers simply demand proper respect for God in our worship services. Am I become your enemy by telling you the truth?
The is a real danger that we cease or water down some of the truths of God's Word because some may make us enemies because the truth may not be popular or pleasant. The urgency of the message does not change when many become enemies of truth. We speak the truth in love - How do you receive it?
~In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 1/24/99.