But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. 

                                                                                                                 Galatians 2:4-5 

Our passage today is a stark reminder of the importance that every believer has a vibrant, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. Even within the 1^st century, there was a mixture of old covenant doctrine with the new. Specifically, some believers in the Galatian churches were being persuaded to participate in traditions stemming from the old covenant law as a part of their new life in Christ. Paul is adamant that the believers in Jesus Christ resist the promptings of these religious men. These promptings to surrender spiritual freedom in Christ for legalism and ritualistic tradition still exists today. There are four characterizations used by Paul in describing this influence. I believe they can be helpful in assisting the church in guarding against this distortion of the gospel.

(1) Paul describes these religious men as false brethren. To accuse someone in the church as lacking authenticity is a serous charge and should not be touted without solemn consideration. To make this claim, one must be able to accurately assess the heart of another individual. Nevertheless, Paul does not mix words when accusing these men of distorting the gospel, thus making them an enemy of the church. It was the doctrine being promoted that allowed Paul to make this assessment. I believe these men were sincere in their beliefs, just as Paul had been prior to his conversion. However, that did not change the fact that they were acting in ignorance and were in need of a personal relationship with Jesus.

(2) Paul indicates that these men were “sneaked” into the church. One of the most obvious traits you can observe about false doctrine is that it often finds its way into the church quietly and unannounced. I believe it’s a good rule of thumb for all Christians to speak what they believe boldly and unapologetically. If an idea must be moved into the church with stealth, it probably doesn’t pass the smell test of truth. Doctrines that are dressed up to look like something else should always come under suspicion. Those who teach and guide others should do so with clarity and authority, making sure that the concepts being offered do not come into direct conflict with the gospel.

(3) Paul says that these men were sneaked in for the purpose of spying on the new converts. Specifically, they were spying out the liberty (spiritual freedom and joy) that these believers were enjoying. I would like to say that freedom, joy, and unity exist in every expression of the church, but that is not the reality. Relationship versus religion and liberty versus bondage are issues that every believer should evaluate. It is impossible to wholeheartedly receive the gospel by faith yet cling to the expectations of legalistic religion as a means of salvation (Galatians 3:21-22). I believe that these men were spying out the liberty of the believers primarily because they viewed it as a threat to the traditions that they were espousing. I believe that salvation by faith in Christ was something they had not received and did not understand.

(4) Lastly, Paul identifies that the mission of these men was to bring the new converts into bondage. This is perhaps the most dangerous part of doctrines that “sneak” into the church. They are capable of distorting the gospel but also they can disrupt the faith of many who are lacking spiritual maturity. Jesus warned the disciples about the “leaven” of the Pharisees (Matthew 16:11-12). This leaven was their influence over the people. Paul echoes this warning by reminding the church that it only takes a small amount of this manipulative power to disrupt the spiritual lives of those whom they have influence (Galatians 5:9).

Recognizing that this distortion can still exist in the church today, what should we as believers do to guard against these ideas? I believe it all boils down to one simple truth: Every born again believer in Jesus Christ is responsible for his/her spiritual growth. Yes, the church collectively is an opportunity for Christians to be challenged, encouraged, equipped, and even rebuked, but ultimately the only way to guard against disruptive influences is to be deeply rooted in our own relationship with Christ. I want to encourage you to continue seeking God’s will for your life and to enjoy all of the benefits that accompany salvation.