However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? … (Gal 4:8-9)
A stunted spiritual growth in the life of a believer is a dire matter that may stem from false beliefs and unbiblical doctrine. It is the issue Paul contends with in his letter to the Galatians, and it is a dilemma many Christians struggle with today. False teachings are often subtle, obstructing us from God, and hindering us from living by faith to be formed into Christ. (v. 19) Through Paul’s earnest admonishment to the Galatians, we examine what believers resist when they harbor false teachings in their heart.
Many Christians resist sound doctrine. No one can avoid doctrine. How we live reflects what we believe, and if it is not biblical, there can be no spiritual growth. (2 Tim 3:16-17) Adam fell because he believed Satan’s twist on doctrine. It is a matter of life and death, and each and every one of us is responsible to pay the price for what we believe. Paul questioned the Galatians on their regression in faith towards false teachings, baffled at how they shifted from the gospel of Jesus Christ to a false religion of salvation by works. (Gal 1:6-7) Rejecting sound doctrine keeps you under the power of sin- you forsake to confess sin, disbelieving that God will make you pure. Children of God hear and believe sound doctrine, and they are empowered by God to live in holiness. (Jn 10:27, 2 Tim 2:19) Those who reject sound doctrine still don’t know God, because the Bible is the only way to know Him. (Hos 4:6) Moreover, if you reject sound doctrine, you are still following unbiblical doctrine- there is no neutrality. We must examine all things against Scripture to verify what the Bible says on any matter. False teachings will cause you to believe in false doctrine.
Believers resist sound criticism and judgment. Being a Christian does not mean you are perfect- it means you now understand how sinful you are. Christianity is humility, for we can not live with pride and arrogance as we see ourselves in truth. The Galatians loved Apostle Paul when they first received the gospel, but when Paul confronted them on their false gospel, they began to hate him. We must not do the same. God sent the Holy Spirit to confront and convict us, and sound judgment is absolutely necessary for our spiritual growth as we are perfected in Christ. (Ecc 7:5, Prov 29:1) Biblical confrontation shows sins we may be blind to, and it can help us turn away from sin, saving our lives from God’s judgment. (2 Sam 12:7, 13) In confronting fellow believers, we must first get the facts before making any judgment. We must be led by the Holy Spirit to choose the right words as well as the right timing, and we must have fearless courage to love our brothers and sisters at whatever cost.
Believers resist a biblical life. Many Christians pursue the world and their own goals, seeking their best life now. We all have our own ambitions and visions of an ideal life, but if it’s not biblical, there is no way to grow. The Galatians were passionate in their beliefs, but their passions were displaced and wasted due to false teachings.The fullness of Christ must be our life- He is Lord, and He will lead you as you live by, for, and of Christ alone. (Gal 2:20) Everything outside of Christ is dead; only Christ is the source of life. If our passion in this life is not for Christ, our faith is not in Him.
Our ideal life is the pursuit to be like Jesus. We must exercise faith as we examine all things according to Scripture, welcome sound criticism, and strive to live a sound life. God has given us this blessed truth- Christ is being formed in us. (Rom 12:1-2, Acts 7:59-60)
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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