Become an Enemy Because of Truth? (Gal 4:14-16)
Speaker: Rev Dr Quek SY
Date: 20 Nov 2022

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Sermon notes taken by:

Eunice Low


An enemy is one who does not have love for you. He is destructive and will destroy you and the things that you want to do. In life, we may face many enemies. In the context of Galatians 4:14-16, Apostle Paul was speaking of the enemies of the church. There is always a price to pay when we tell the truth. We have to be prepared to stand alone when we stand for the truth.

The church in Galatia initially had the highest regard and honour for Apostle Paul (Gal 4:14). They knew he suffered persecution. They did not shun away from him nor rejected him. They accepted his teachings and identified themselves with him. They received him as though he was an angel of God. But everything changed after he left and false teachers came into the church teaching false doctrines. The people loved the truth in the past, but then they embraced the false teachings instead and hated Paul.

The church in Galatia had the closest, sacrificial bond with Apostle Paul (Gal 4:15). They were prepared even to blind themselves and give their eyes to him. Yet, because of the false gospel and doctrine, that close bond disappeared. They had no more feelings for Paul, and even wanted to destroy him.

Our Lord Jesus Christ also went through such suffering. Jesus came to die for us, to show us the truth and to show us God's love. Yet, He was crucified by the people He came to save. For Paul, he told the people the truth. But because of the false doctrines of the false teachers, the people wanted to destroy Paul by bringing down his reputation.

We must learn not to elevate men too highly (i.e. elevate them to the level of Christ). Men are just instruments of the Master.

We must also learn not to stop forming close bonds with fellow brethren just because of the possibility of being treated as an enemy when we speak the truth. This struggle is real especially for pastors.

May we do all things for Jesus' sake. Let us keep speaking the truth to help one another.

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