September 8, 2025

THINGS THAT WEAKEN OUR WITNESS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. And even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples.”

Galatians 6:12-13 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Paul continues addressing a serious issue in the Galatian churches: false teachers (the Judaizers) were adding to the gospel of grace. They insisted that faith in Christ wasn’t enough—you also needed to obey the Jewish law, beginning with circumcision.

The heart of the gospel is simple yet powerful: we are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. But throughout history, people have always tried to add something to it. Grace feels “too easy,” so rules, traditions, and outward marks get tacked on as if Jesus’ work on the cross wasn’t enough.

In this passage, Paul exposes three flaws in those who promote a “grace-plus” gospel—flaws that are still present today.

1. They Were Braggarts

Paul says their motive was “to look good to others.” They weren’t concerned about people’s hearts, only appearances.

Today we see the same temptation. Social media pushes us to impress others. Even in ministry, pastors can compare numbers—size of a church, baptisms, or “results.” But the kingdom of God is not a competition. True ministry builds His kingdom, not our reputation.

2. They Were Compromisers

Paul adds, “They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save.”

The cross was offensive in the first century, and it still is today. To avoid rejection, these leaders compromised: “Yes, trust Jesus, but also follow the law.” They wanted acceptance from both sides.

We face the same temptation—to soften the truth so no one pushes back. But we must stand firm: salvation is by Christ alone. Some may criticize you, but make sure it’s for your faithfulness to truth, not for arrogance or harshness.

3. They Were Hypocrites

Paul points out, “Even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves.” If law-keeping makes you right with God, then you must keep it all. But no one can. That’s why we need grace.

Legalism still shows up today—when people make one issue of behavior, dress, or practice the ultimate test of holiness, while ignoring other areas of obedience. Jesus warned against this: “They do not practice what they preach” (Matt. 23:3).

Takeaway:

Pride, compromise, and hypocrisy weaken the witness of the church. But when we let the Holy Spirit shape us into Christ’s likeness, we don’t need to prove ourselves to others. His grace is enough, and His Spirit empowers us to live with integrity.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, I want You in charge of my life. Keep me from pride, compromise, and hypocrisy. Shape me into the image of Christ so that I reflect His grace and truth to the world. Amen.

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