October 31, 2021
Who Has Bewitched You | Galatians 3:1-9
WHO HAS BEWITCHED YOU? – Galatians 3:1-9
On October 31, 2021, Pastor Eric shared a message entitled WHO HAS BEWITCHED YOU? from Galatians 3:1-9.
Read Galatians 3:1-9
In this passage, we see that the Judaizers added to the gospel of Jesus Christ, causing confusion among the Christians in Galatia. According to the apostle Paul, the believers in Galatia were foolish, since their faith had begun to erode as a result of the Judeo-Christians’ false teachings. They taught them that Christ died for their sins, but that they should still follow the Law. Despite having begun their spiritual journey on the right foot, the Galatians were now drifting away from the truth. They were persuaded that the grace of God was insufficient.
Paul was confused as to why the Galatians returned to believing that they were justified by keeping the Law. The only rational and logical explanation Paul could find was that they were under a spell, which is why he referred to them as foolish.
Acts 16:16-18
Halloween is a celebration associated with magic, witchcraft, and occultism. On this day, Wiccans, warlocks, witches, and sorcerers commemorate and honour the dead and invoke their ‘gods’. However, their gods are nothing more than evil spirits and demons who come into their bodies and possess them. Halloween is celebrated by these people with the same enthusiasm as the Christmas season is celebrated by Christians. God warns us not to engage in these demonic practices, as they carry a high price.
Read Galatians 1:6-10
After Paul left, Judaizers had infiltrated the church of Galatia, distorting Paul’s teachings. It was claimed that salvation was contingent on specific works, since faith alone was not sufficient. As a result, the Galatians returned to their old ways. At one time, animal sacrifices were required in order to atone for sins. All of that changed when Jesus, the Lamb of God, died in our place. Since then, we are under the Covenant of Grace.
Read John 1:12
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour? It’s a decision that only you can make. No one can make it for you. According to this verse, those who receive Him and believe in His name will become children of God.
Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 and Romans 10:4
Salvation is solely dependent on God’s grace and receiving His offer of salvation through the death of His Son. Therefore, the importance and meaning of Jesus’ death on the cross must be understood fully, because, without a solid foundation, our spiritual house will crumble. Sadly, the church in Galatia fell into legalism, seeking to obtain righteousness through adherence to the Law.
Read Luke 18:11-14 and Ephesians 2:8
In these passages, the Pharisee stood alone expressing his gratitude to God for being different from others who steal, cheat, or commit adultery, while the tax collector, stood far away, dejected and ashamed of his sins. Although he did not commit the sins he mentioned, the Pharisee left unjustified, because no one can be justified by the Law before God. On the other hand, the tax collector, the worst of sinners, was granted mercy. As Jesus explains here, legalism appeals to our pride, but it cannot justify us before God.
Read Acts 19:19
In this verse, we learn that the people of Ephesus, who had practiced sorcery, burned their magic books in front of everyone. These books were extremely expensive: they were worth an equivalent of four to five million dollars today.
Read Acts 13:7-8
Sergius Paulus, the governor of Paphos, was an intelligent man. He asked Barnabas and Saul to come to him, because he desired to hear the message of God. However, Elymas, the magician, tried to prevent the governor from believing in Jesus.
No matter how literal Paul’s use of the word ‘bewitched’ was, the Galatians were indeed afflicted. Some sort of spell had been cast on them.
Read Luke 10:18
The Law does not save us. Only Jesus can. Some of you may have been bewitched, either by a sorcerer or witch, by the world, or by a false prophet or false gospel. If you want to turn away from your life of sin, accept Jesus as your personal Saviour. He will set you free from all your troubles.
Would you like to surrender your life to Jesus today?