Do you have enemies? Most would think of someone who did not like them, someone who teased them in school or told lies about them as an enemy. How do you determine who your enemy is? If you live for the Lord, you will have those who may not use the word enemy in our culture, yet they shy away from you because you represent the truth that makes them uncomfortable. In Galatians 4:16, Paul experiences such a situation. He asks the Galatians, “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?”
None of us enjoy having someone point out our sins. So much of the time, we deceive ourselves and make ourselves think something is okay because it is what is comfortable for us. What we should do is measure our actions and thoughts by scripture. Is what I am doing exalting Christ, or am I hurting the cause of Christ? The most loving thing someone can do for us is to speak the truth, even if it is painful at the time. Paul never shied away from the truth. At the risk of losing friends, he tells them what is best for them.
Paul tells them in verse 17 that those false teachers coming into the church were zealously affecting them, but not well. They were flattering and showed interest in them to gain them as followers. They had ulterior motives. Those not living close to the Lord react to those seeking God’s face in one of two ways. They will either not have anything to do with those who desire to live a holy life, or they will try to gain friendships with them and bring them into their way of thinking. When we lower our standards to do what might be ok instead of seeking what is best, we are wrong. We should not allow flattering words to affect how we live our lives. He further tells them, “they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.” The false teachers were trying to pull these believers away from the influence of Paul.
Galatians 4:17 “They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.”
Paul continues in verse 18 with his message to them. He teaches them that it is good to be zealous if it is for a good thing. It seems that when Paul showed up, they were acting as excited about the gospel as they had been before he left them. Paul says that was a good thing, however he reminds them this is the way they are to be whether he is in their presence or not. Genuine zeal does not exhibit itself as a show. It comes from a passion inside us. He is challenging them to be real.
Galatians 4:18 “But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.”
As Paul brings this section to a close, he expresses his desires tenderly. He longs for them to do what is right in the sight of God. He wants to know that they are staying true to the gospel and that they will not be taken off guard by flattering words and attitudes that diminish the power of the gospel. In verse 20, Paul states that he is in doubt of them. He doubts their sincerity to the Christian principles that he had taught them.
Galatians 4:19-20 “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.”
How do you handle someone pointing out your lack of faithfulness? Do you get angry or hurt and pull away? I can assure you from experience there is nothing harder than seeing someone you have prayed for and assisted in their walk with the Lord become shallow in their walk with Him. It is hard to watch someone you love do things you know will one day have a negative impact on their lives and the lives of their children. On the flip side of that there is nothing any more rewarding than to see someone you have prayed for and labored with grow to great heights for the Lord. To hear later in life of their faithfulness is such a blessing. It truly brings unspeakable joy.
Paul asks the question, “Am I become your enemy?” Have you made those who hold you accountable your enemy? The person who loves you enough to take the risk of losing your friendship is someone who truly is your friend, not your enemy. We all need a Paul in our lives. Find one and hang on for great growth in the Lord as you deem them your closest friend, not your enemy.
