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by Sandy Shaw
In Galatians Chapter 4 verse 12 - what a courageous thing to say. He pleaded with these brothers in Christ to be like him. Paul was humble and bold.
You can only say that to brothers. It would have been totally misunderstood otherwise. Sometimes we may say things to people thinking they are brothers and sisters in Christ, and they are not, and we reap the misunderstanding!
This man’s heart and life and ministry exudes and demonstrates such love and compassion and concern – as well as such superb instruction and teaching – which is flowing from the very throne of God – and over the centuries has proved to be flowing from the throne of God.
Paul was concerned about what he saw happening all around him in the churches where he had preached - where he had gone as an apostle of God - a missionary - a Christian missile sent specifically by the Holy Spirit. No wonder there was such an attack! Really we should not be over-surprised. Do you ever wonder why you are under such attack at times? Steep yourselves in the truths of the Scriptures and you will understand more and more.
But, could we say that type of thing? Could we use similar words and language to people who were being deceived – and on the point of being led astray? We should be able to - there should be a point in our Christian lives and ministries where we are able to say - humbly, but nevertheless, with courageous conviction - "I plead with you brothers - become like me."
Of course - remember - he is speaking to brothers - those who had experienced Jesus Christ in a very real and dynamic way - just as he had experienced Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
We would not use this type of language to those who were foreigners to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit - without hope - without God in the world. We would have different words. Repent. Turn from your sins to God - believe in Jesus - be baptised in water - receive the Holy Spirit - all depending upon what stage they were at.
Paul had got alongside those people as far as he could. He was one of them as much as he was able to - he ate at their table - he fellowshipped with them. And, when he learned of their falling away - although he was painfully upset and distressed - he did not take it personally. "You have done me no wrong." Verse 12.
It wasn't Paul they had fallen away from - it was Jesus Christ and the Gospel.
He speaks about how they first received him. He had been ill when he first came among them, but even when he was unwell, he preached the Gospel to them. He preached that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified to rescue and save sinners.
Paul was strong when preaching the Gospel, and when writing, and when confronting error, and when dealing with dangerous deception, and when giving warnings regarding false teaching, but he experienced weakness too. Do not be too surprised when you experience strength and then experience some form of weakness – that means you are human and part of the human race.
They came to believe. They came to faith. The Holy Spirit worked through the physical weakness of beloved Paul. They came to real living vibrant saving faith. They would have done anything for this dear man.
He must have been very weak, physically. They could have laughed at this preacher preaching this strange message, or treated him with contempt and scorn. They didn't.
Remember he was going through a very rough period of serious severe and sore persecution. Even when the Holy Spirit was anointing him, and flowing through him, Paul refused to be intimidated and silenced.
Jesus was using him in his weakness. They welcomed him - as if he were an angel - "as if I were Christ Jesus Himself". That is strong sentiment indeed. And then, when those who were out to mislead and deceive came along - and started working on them - their joy went. That is always the first thing to go!
"The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans Chapter 14)
“Lord Jesus, whatever I have to experience and endure and go through, help me and fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may serve obediently to the best of my ability. Amen”.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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