Paul in my Pocket

tonight i was preparing for a Bible study on the first chapter of the book of Galatians.  i must admit that i've never done an in-depth study on Galatians before.  sure, i've read the book, but i've never really DUG IN.  so, tonight (procrastination) i started looking at the historical context and commentaries on the first chapter.  (side note, if anyone has any thoughts on the first chapter of Galatians feel free to pass them along before tomorrow night at 7:30 pm. :))

all that to say, i was really struck by one thought.  Paul wrote this book with the intent of rebuking the Galatians for getting swept away in false doctrine.  certain people had infiltrated their ranks and began teaching that in order to become a Christian they needed to be circumcised and follow all the tenants of Judaism.  unfortunately, the Galatians actually believed this teaching and were getting caught up in feeling the need to adhere to Mosaic law.   Paul came at this topic passionately and began encouraging the Galatians to get back to the true Gospel--the Gospel of grace that comes through the sacrificial atonement of Christ for our sins.

i read the first chapter feeling convicted.  i wasn't convicted that i had attempted to follow all Jewish customs (although i typically don't eat food sacrificed to idols).  i wasn't even convicted that i have adhered to false doctrines (although that has definitely happened in my past...i can tell you the story later...).  instead, i was convicted over the simple fact that i am not Paul.

in my mind, this galatian false doctrine wasn't a good thing, but it wasn't like some of the other doctrines you see churches believing in the new testament.  the galatians weren't engaging in fornication or getting drunk at the Lord's Supper. so, it didn't seem like this doctrine was "bad" in itself.  people were trying to "do the right thing."  however, Paul didn't become engaged in this argument of good vs bad...he saw the lie for exactly what it was--a method to keep people from a true relationship with Christ.  he saw this church getting led astray and stepped in to intervene.

the question i have to ask is, "would i do the same thing?"  sure, i get angry at a lot of misperceptions in the world.  i even get my feathers ruffled at false doctrines in the Church.  i hate it when believers go around believing lies about themselves, God, and the Gospel.  BUT would i SAY anything about them?  would i first identify the doctrine for what it is, then would i even call out the lie/false teaching/skewed Gospel?  would i be so passionate about it that i couldn't help but say something?  would i have the hutzpah to actually stand up?  i would hope so.  yet, have i ever done it before?  all i can do is shamefully shake my head...and hope and pray that something changes. so that, perhaps, when push comes to shove, and the time comes when it's needed, i can have the strength to be a little more "Paul-like."