AUGUST 22, 2025 – STUMBLING BLOCK

READ: Gal. 5:7–12: … that those … would even cut themselves off!

Before the arrival of the Judaizers, the Galatians were doing so well: their life of faith aligned with God’s Word. But now that has changed. They are letting go of the Gospel, and therefore this doctrine does not come from Christ but from the evil one.

This is not an exaggeration by Paul. The beginning of this corruption may seem small, but it spreads destructively—just as a little leaven eventually leavens the whole lump (v.9).

The Israelites already had to learn this when celebrating their deliverance from Egypt (cf. Deut. 16:2–4 and 1 Cor. 5:6). John also warns his readers: “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

Be aware that even a seemingly “small” deviation from God’s Word can have terrible consequences and lead many church members away from their Lord. There are plenty of examples in our time. The devil still prowls around seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:9), often with words that sound beautiful but are misleading, disguising himself as a “servant of righteousness” (cf. 2 Thess. 2:9–10; 2 Cor. 11:13–15).

Paul trusts that the Lord will still keep the Galatians close to the Gospel. However, he warns them that the deceivers will not escape God’s judgment on the last day. For God’s church is the apple of His eye.

In Matt. 18:7, the Lord Jesus warns: “Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!”

The Judaizers accuse Paul of hypocrisy concerning circumcision. After all, didn’t he have Timothy circumcised? Yes, but Paul only opposed the misuse of circumcision; it was for this very reason that they persecuted him.

The Judaizers, on the other hand, compel believers to be circumcised through their teaching, making Christ a stumbling block to them (1 Cor. 1:23).

Paul therefore says: let them cut themselves off—emasculate themselves—so they are no longer welcome in the congregation (Deut. 23:1).

How can Christ become a stumbling block?

Sing: Ps. 17:4-6