Series: Action [#42]
FREEDOM LETTER- DON’T GO BACK
Galatians 4:8-20
Introduction:
Several years ago, Karen and I was up in the Ruidoso area; and I decided to try a short cut that I thought I knew about. The problem was, the road turned into a very rough dirt road; and the further we went, the worse the road became. We came upon a farmer’s house and land; and there was a sign that said, “No Trespassing- I have a gun and a backhoe”. We drove past that area and came up to a gate that was locked. So, I had to go back down that terrible road and past that farm. I wasted almost 2 hours because I wanted to find a short cut.
This applies to your life spiritually. How often do you try to take spiritual short cuts? You try to make your own path to peace and joy? You follow the lead of so called, “Spiritual leaders” instead of Jesus? Paul’s message to the Galatians and to us is, “Don’t go back”.
Galatians 4:8-11
1. Why would you go back?
This is a question that you should all ask yourself when you are repeating a particular sin over and over again. As a Christian, you are no longer a slave to sin; so why would you go back? The battle between your flesh and the Holy Spirit is real; and is not an easy battle to win.
Many years ago, I was a Manager for McDonald’s and one of my Shift Manager’s who had 6 children lived in a very abusive situation. Her boyfriend who lived with her and the 6 children did not work; and he would do drugs all day while she worked. One day she came to me at work and asked for help. I was a Worship Pastor at a small church at the time; and I knew a woman who ran a Battered Women’s Shelter. I worked with this woman and we were able to get my friend and her 6 children out of town. The manager of the shelter and I were the only people who knew where they had been sent; and we could not let anyone know. She was told to start over and never come back.
2 days later, the boyfriend showed up at McDonald’s and threatened me if I would not tell him where she was. In fact, he said that he had a gun and would shoot me in the head. I still acted as I did not know what was going on. This went on several times to the point that the police would frequently visit the store to check on me and the other employees.
2 months later, my friend came into the store and asked if I would hire her back. I asked why she was back, and she said that her and her boyfriend were back together and he had changed. I plead with her to not do that; but she would not change her mind. I checked in her everyday at work. I would have her bring her children to the store and make them dinner. I would pray with them every time I had an opportunity.
About 3 weeks later, (while at work) a Police Officer came into the store and asked me if she was there. I got her, and we set down in the lobby and talked to the Officer. That day, her boyfriend was high; and he burned down the house- Only himself and 1 child got out of the house. She began to scream, “Why did I go back”?
Galatians 4:12-16
2. Why would you change your mind?
Paul had become very close to these Christians. Now that he was gone, they had forgotten what he had taught them and started listening to those who were preaching a different message- A Jesus + something gospel. Paul could not understand how it went from them helping him with his disability, (which was Paul losing his sight); to becoming their enemy.
Christians, we need to be careful who listen to and trust. You should never just take my word on it- You should be matching my words to the Bible. It is our flesh that wants people to believe us instead of our rivals. It does not matter about other’s opinions of you compared to how you live your life for Christ.
Galatians 4:17-20
3. Why are you not maturing?
A favorite tactic of the Devil is to drag you away from the truth. The Devil loves when people leave a Church. If a person tries to survive on their own away from their brothers and sisters in Christ, they are an easier target. When Paul tells them that he is in the pains of childbirth, he is telling them that they are not maturing. He is perplexed about their lack of growth.
Conclusion:
Don’t go back to your old ways. Don’t change your mind about God’s awesome plan for your life. It’s time to grow up in Christ. You cannot stay where you are at.
