Beware of False Gospels - Galatians 1:6-10

Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ! Welcome to today’s devotional on Living Word Cast. I’m Pastor Michael, and I’m so glad you’ve joined us as we take a brief moment to focus our hearts on God’s Word. Today, we’ll be looking at Galatians 1:6-10, where the Apostle Paul warns the Galatians against turning to a different gospel. Let’s dive in and see what God has for us today.

Reading the Passage: Let’s start by reading Galatians 1:6-10.

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse. Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:6-10, NIV)

In these verses, Paul expresses deep concern for the Galatians. He says, “I am astonished”—he’s shocked and troubled that they are so quickly abandoning the gospel of grace. They are turning to a “different gospel”—a gospel that isn’t really a gospel at all. Why? Because it’s no longer centered on the grace of Jesus Christ.

What does this mean for us today?

First, we need to recognize that the gospel is unchanging. The message of salvation through Jesus Christ, by grace alone through faith alone, is the foundation of our Christian faith. We are not saved by our works, by our performance, or by following a set of rules. We are saved by Christ’s finished work on the cross.

But even in Paul’s time, there were people coming in and distorting the message. They were teaching that, in order to be saved, the Galatians needed to follow the Jewish law, specifically circumcision. Paul calls this a “perversion” of the gospel. And Paul’s warning is strong: “Let them be under God’s curse.” These false teachers were not just teaching a different version of the gospel, they were leading people away from the only true hope of salvation—Jesus Christ.

Now, you might be wondering: Why does this matter to us today? We live in a world where many “gospels” are being preached. Some tell us that salvation is about our good works, others say it's about prosperity or health, and still others emphasize self-fulfillment. But the gospel of Christ is about grace, forgiveness, and the salvation of our souls through Jesus.

Paul’s strong language is a wake-up call for us: Do not be swayed by other messages. As Paul asks, “Am I trying to please people, or God?” The answer is clear—if we are living to please people, we will end up compromising the truth of the gospel. The truth is not up for negotiation.

Application:

Today, let’s take some time to reflect on our own lives and check for any “false gospels” that may have crept in. Have we been tempted to believe that salvation is about what we do rather than what Christ has already done? Have we allowed the world to redefine the message of grace?

Lord, thank you for the grace of Jesus Christ. Help me to always hold fast to the true gospel and never be swayed by false teachings. May I live in the freedom you’ve given, knowing that my salvation is secure in you alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Closing:

Thank you for joining me today on Living Word Cast. Remember, the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Let’s hold firm to this truth and keep it at the center of our lives.

Until next time, keep walking in His grace!