Paul wrote to the Galatians, urging them to remain true to the gospel. He was concerned by the fact that they had turned away from the simplicity of His will to another gospel (cf. 1:6-9), which was in fact a perversion. As Paul put it in chapter 4, “I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain” (4:11).
In this part of his discussion, he notes three distinct groups. He refers to the Galatians as “you.” He talks about himself “me.” He also refers to the Judaizing teachers who were leading them astray as “them.”
He asks in verse 9, “But now after YOU have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that YOU turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which YOU desire again to be in bondage?”
Paul then discusses his relationship with them, by using the pronouns “I” and “me.” “Brethren, I urge you to become like ME“ (12). “For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked our your own eyes and given them to ME“ (15). “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (16).
Paul referred to the enemies as well. “THEY zealously court you, but for not good; yes, THEY want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for THEM“ (17).
It is important for us to think in the same way. Put yourself into these paragraphs:
When I refer to “you”, I refer to my brethren. I pray for you. I love you. I seek what is in your best interest. I am concerned when I see you lacking in zeal, diligence, love. I want you to go to heaven. I am constantly thinking about you, and have you at the center of my thoughts and concerns. You and I are brethren, and joint heirs, and I want you to go to heaven.
When I refer to “me” I am talking about myself. I should be able to describe myself as a faithful Christian, a good example for “you” and one who is seeking always to obey my Lord. I realize that I am responsible for my own sin, and for my own standing with God. I am to love my brethren, and to love God first and foremost. My profession of love must be borne out in my service and life.
When I refer to “them” I am talking about the enemies of Christ. I not only refer to Satan, but also those who are his ministers. Anyone who preaches another gospel is “they.” In so doing, they act selfishly, wanting you to follow them rather than the Lord. They may zealously court you, and come across as friendly, loving and sincere. But, their influence brings condemnation to you and to me. It doesn’t matter whether they are religious or secular, if they do not advocate for righteousness and truth, they are our enemy!
We live in a time of equivocation and compromise. Many are unwilling to think in terms of “you,” “me,” and “they.” They think that us versus them is a negative way of viewing life, and prefer to think in terms of “we.” However, Christians know there is an enemy, and is always on the lookout for “them.” If we are not, then Paul can rightly say of us as well, “I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.”
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