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Those who appear with false teaching can present themselves as respectable and so tolerant and may not even be aware of what they are up to – and who sent them!

This was the situation Paul confronts and wrestles with in the Galatian letter and in Chapter 4 verse 9 he writes – “Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?” That is strong writing. Mention that type of thing in certain ‘church circles’ today and you are not likely to be appreciated. People want to do their own thing. People want to be open to new thinking and new ideas and new ways of looking at things.

Paul reveals something further of what was creeping in - they were beginning to observe special days and months and seasons and years! Paul knew exactly what was going on, and it was not just one issue.

He did not want to see these disciples of Jesus enslaved - caught in that trap.

And, do you know what happens if people try to put you under their rules and regulations and rituals - if people expect you to do certain things in a certain way - and you don't? You feel guilty. That is a consequence of witchcraft of which we have spoken earlier.

You begin to feel that you are not as fine as they are.

Always beware of someone who makes you feel guilty. God never makes you feel guilty. God will convict you of sin - but that is another matter - and God provides the solution to that one - the Blood of Jesus Christ for cleansing - releasing - deliverance from bondage and slavery - a freedom from the expectations people put upon us.

Paul had that feeling of compassion which many pastors and preachers experience.

Paul wonders if all his work - all his preaching - all his travelling and teaching - had been wasted on these people.

He became upset when he saw people who had such potential for the Kingdom of God, being influenced negatively, and they were about to revert and return to weak and miserable principles.

They are weak principles - because they are unable to make people strong for Christ.

They are miserable in as much as when people fail to keep the principles they begin to feel miserable. Man is as unlikely to keep principles as he is to keep and obey the whole law of God.

This is a tactic of the enemy, and the Scriptures reveal it. Know his tactics - his methods - bow down and worship me - let me enslave you - that is his aim - to enslave people and make them miserable.

Verse 12 - Brothers - be like me - what courage to say that! 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.

“Heavenly Father, give us a heart that only bows down to You – give us minds to know the difference between right and wrong in these perilous days.” Amen.

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Moralism