Making Christ of No Effect

Galatians 5:2-15

I’ve known a man, we’ll call him Ted for many years, and his family even longer. His dad was a hard worker, and became a pastor and later a missionary. One of Ted’s grandfathers managed to save enough to begin investing and made a fairly good living at it. His parents, on the other hand, while living well, rarely had much extra.

Ted got a good job shortly after graduating from high school, with a good retirement program. He married and stayed with the job until he had a sizeable amount in his retirement fund. Deciding to emulate his grandfather, he quit his job and withdrew his fund, with the idea of investing it in the belief he could do far better with less effort.

Buying a new truck and investing in various things that others were recommending, for several years he appeared to be doing well. His wife continued working, asupporting him in his endeavors, and unfortunately, allowing him not to see that he was losing money steadily. He quit church so he could devote his time to time to his own goals. Because his wife was so busy working, he began to spend time with women who were not working, although there does not appear to have been sexual sin. This led to resentment on both his and his wife’s side, and eventually to divorce.

Finally, he began to see that he was losing everything, and went back to work, but he is ashamed to go back to church, and has made no apparent effort to reconcile with his wife. He does admit that it was his own decisions that has led him to that point, but his pride still holds him back.

Just as his pride in his own efforts and power led to Ted’s losing the most valuable things and wrecking his life, appealing to our pride in being better than others because of our standards can destroy what we already had. We give up what Christ has done for us to try to make ourselves appear righteous.

“Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing: For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:2-6)

Paul describes having to give up his pride in the things he had done so well in order to receive and his blessings. The righteousness he attained by his efforts prevented him from receiving the righteousness of Christ. He recognized it as having no more value to him than manure, and threw away all his goodness and obedience to the law

“Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Philippians 3:5-9)

The Galatians had started in, but like the Corinthians, had been distracted by other teachings that were4 hindering their spiritual lives, actually causing them to disobey God to meet man’s standards. I Corinthians 8:1-11:17 warns against the danger of setting these types of standards, teaching that they are contrary to true spirituality.

“Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.” (Galatians 5:7-10)

Such teachings do not come from God, but as I Timothy 4:1-3 tell us, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” They are taught by those who have forsaken the truth, accepting false doctrines, and setting false standards.

If we really believe the same thing, there is no reason for argument, because there is no real difference. The fact that an issue is made is proof that we do not believe the same. Paul wishes that they were cut off or separated that were causing the conflict.

“And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you.” (Galatians 5:11-12)

Romans 16:17-18 warns us to avoid fellowshipping with those who teach contrary doctrine. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” I Corinthians 11:19 tells us that such controversies are necessary to show who is actually serving God. “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.”

As Christians, we have liberty in these areas. That does not mean that we should do as we please, but rather that we should consider the impact our actions will have on others. The Law is fulfilled by love, and we are told not to judge one another, but to encourage each other. Constantly attacking each other may well result in destruction of both parties. The old story of two toys, a Calico Cat, and a Gingham Dog getting into fight pictures this idea. The two toys fought all night, and the next day their owner couldn’t find his toys. All that was ever found were bits of material and stuffing. Fighting over such matters demonstrates a lack of love, and may destroy the churches.

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” (Galatians 5:13-15)