197. GAL 3:1. THE FOLLY OF DISOBEYING THE TRUTH, &C

Gal_3:1. The Folly of Disobeying the Truth, &c

"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?"’97Gal_3:1

In illustrating this subject, let us endeavor to ascertain,

I. What is implied in Christ’s being evidently set before us Crucified.

It is obvious that this is not to be understood literally, as in that case it could only apply to one period and one place. Christ is evidently set before us crucified,

1. In the evangelical histories of the New Testament.

Every thing which preceded, accompanied, or followed the event is here detailed. Whole scenery of the cross exhibited. Here we may know all concerning Christ, and him crucified. He is evidently set before us crucified.

2. In the preaching of the gospel.

This is the soul of the gospel. The very essence. The grand theme. The sum. The substance. The all and in all. Hence ministers must know nothing among men but Christ, and him crucified. "God forbid," &c. He is evidently set before us,

3. In the ordinance of the Supper.

Here are the symbols of his death. The broken body. The blood shed. Yes, here Christ crucified is very prominently, very significantly, and very affectingly set forth among us.

II. What is implied in not obeying the Truth.

By the truth we may understand either Christ, who is emphatically The Truth; or the gospel, which is the revelation of truth. We shall consider the latter as the meaning of the text. In reference to the truth of the gospel,

1. Some reject it wholly.

Revelation disbelieved and despised.

2. Many reject it practically.

Do not obey its exhortations. Are hearers only. Do not yield themselves to God. Still live in unbelief and sin.

3. Others reject the truth partially.

Believe general truths’97obey general commands’97and acknowledge general principles; but are undecided, compromising, and half-hearted. How does it happen that persons will not obey the truth? Many are uninformed; therefore ignorance prevents them. Many are prejudiced; and dislike to the gospel prevents them. Many do not love the things of Christ; and their being wedded to their sin prevents them, and therefore they do not obey the truth.

Let us consider then,

III. The Folly and Bewitchment of such a Course of Disobedience.

It is evidently folly,

1. As it is the rejection of true light.

Darkness is fraught with present evil, and tends to eternal destruction.

2. It deprives of all the solid comforts of religion.

No peace, or joy, or hope. Desponding, restless, and miserable.

3. It exposes to the severe disapprobation of God.

God cannot love such. Ho cannot delight in such. His face’97his truth’97all his perfections are against them. Even the gospel condemns them.

4. It will end in everlasting and irremediable ruin.

What shall the end of those be who obey not the gospel of Christ? "How shall we escape," &c. Heb_3:2; 1Pe_4:17, 1Pe_4:18. He that believeth not must assuredly be damned. How important then that the interrogation of the apostle be duly considered! Who have bewitched you?

(1) Have men, by their creeds and false doctrines? "If any man (or angel) preach any other gospel," &c.

(2) Has Satan, by his devices? "Resist the devil," &c.

(3) Has the world, by its allurements? Come out of it. Forsake it, and follow Christ. It is deceitful, however fair. Its smile is false; and its embraces, death.

Application

(1) We urge the sinner to consider his ways’97receive the truth in the love of it’97and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and he shall be saved. (2) We expostulate with backsliders’97and say, Why will ye die? Why forsake Christ? O return, ye backsliding children, &c. (3) We exhort the believer to buy the truth’97to grow in truth’97to witness to the truth’97to rejoice in the truth’97and steadfastly to hold fast the truth to the end.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS