They Are Not Doing it For Your Good

S-Labor Pains

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Gift of Freedom through Christ

L-Not for Yours, but Theirs

-"Those false teachers who are so anxious to win your favor are not doing it for your good. They are trying to shut you off from me so that you will pay more attention to them.  Now its wonderful if you are eager to do good, and especially when I am not with you. But oh, my dear children! I feel as if I am going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives. How I wish I were there with you right now, so that I could be more gentle with you. But at this distance I frankly don't know what else to do." Galatians 4:17-20

At all times, we need to be aware of those who teach the Word of God. Especially if we are new in our faith. Why? Because like the Galatia Churches we can be easily misled by those whose motives are selfish motives.

The false teachers wanted to receive all the attention. So much so they would use smooth speech, that was persuasive and convincing just to get the attention of as many people as they could.

There are many Pastors today who do the same thing. Their motives are selfish rather than genuine. They tell you what you want to hear, rather than God's truth.

Paul on the other hand, was sincere and genuine. He had others best interest at heart, especially their salvation. He knew what was at stake. Thus, "I feel as if I am going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives." 

For those of us who do teach and share the Word of God with others, what is our motives for doing so? Is it selfish ambition, pride, or the need for attention?

Or is it because we too, like Paul understand what is at stake? Do we experience the same type of labor pains Paul described here?

Brethren, it is my prayer that God would develop hearts within us like Paul's.

Hearts that desire all people to know more about Christ. Hearts that are focused on Christ and others rather than ourselves.

Don't be misled by those whose motives are selfish. Stay focused on God's Word and His truth.

S-Share the truth rather than being a people-pleaser