Theological Sketch-Book Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth… In any circumstances it is both sinful and unwise to turn away from the truth as it is in Jesus; it bespeaks us blind to our own interest, as well as regardless of the glory of God. But what rendered such conduct inexcusable in the Galatians, was the degree of evidence with which the gospel was attended, and the abundance of evangelical preaching which they enjoyed. I. Endeavour to ascertain the IMPORT OF THE TERMS EMPLOYED IN THE TEXT. Not merely the setting forth of Christ's bodily sufferings. 1. Christ is set forth in the gospel as the great propitiation, by which God's righteousness might appear in the remission of sins (Romans 3:25). 2. Christ is set forth as the great expression of Divine love to a sinful and perishing world (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). 3. Christ is set forth in the gospel as affording the strongest proof of God's displeasure against sin (Romans 8:3; Galatians 3:13). 4. Christ crucified is set forth as the only foundation of a sinner's hope (John 1:29; John 3:14, 15). 5. The terms in the text further denote, the high degree of evidence which attended the ministry of the apostles, especially among the Galatians. II. Consider the IMPORTANCE OF SETTING FORTH CHRIST IN THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL. It is a principal part of the work of the Holy Spirit to take of the things of Christ, and show them unto us; it should, therefore, be the great object of the Christian ministry to co-operate with this design. 1. To exhibit Christ crucified will tend to prove the hearts of men, and make them manifest. 2. It is the only way of giving peace to souls in distress for sin. When a sinner is brought under the terrors of the law, made to see and realize his guilt and danger, and to feel his need of a Saviour, he is apt to look inward for some qualification to recommend him to Christ; but to set forth a crucified Saviour is to point him to the only refuge, and to show him at once his remedy. All his help must come from Calvary. If we desire a more spiritual and humble frame of mind, no means are so effectual to its production as the contemplation of a crucified Redeemer. 3. It is the way to draw forth and bring into exercise all the Christian graces. 4. The preaching of Christ crucified is that which leaves all unbelievers without excuse. It will be impossible for those to plead ignorance of the way of salvation, before whose eyes this truth has been evidently set forth. If they perish it will not be for lack of knowledge, but for want of a heart to attend to the things which belong to their everlasting peace. (Theological Sketch-Book.) Parallel Verses KJV: O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? |
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