Desertion, Confusion, Perversion, or Conversion?

Gal 1:6-9

I think the first thing that struck me about these passages was the phrase, “I am astonished.” The Apostle was astonished at their spiritual condition. (This was not a good thing.) The (KJV) reads, “I marvel.” The (NLT) says, “I am shocked.” The Apostle’s astonishment does not seem to speak of a specific timeline between their reception of the gospel and these issues. From what is gathered about the Galatian church, Paul viewed them as a church that should have been at a much deeper level of spiritual maturity. Paul’s astonishment, according to The Word Biblical Commentary, is actually irritation and he is rebuking the church. Therefore, the astonishment or irritation points more towards just how quickly they seemed to slip in comparison to where they where in spiritual maturity and gifts.

Apparently, these professing Christians were presenting four distinct pictures of their spiritual life – some were deserting the faith, others seemed confused about their faith, still others appeared to be perverting the faith, while some had a genuine conversion.

If a snapshot were taken of your spiritual life today, what would the caption below your picture read? (Desertion, confusion, perversion, or conversion.)
We’ll look at these four descriptions portrayed in Paul’s letter.

The Apostle Paul was shocked and astonished by just how quickly some in the church were deserting the faith. The word used indicates transposing or putting into another place, and then, "to go over from one party to another." They had transferred their affections to teachings, which would take them off the true foundation and open the door for false ideas and the pursuit of fleshly passions. It appears that some in the church had either deliberately replaced the foundation of truth in their lives or allowed themselves to grow so weak in their faith that they surrendered the will to resist and joined the side of false teachings. (We’ve witnessed this many times.)

Vines Dictionary of NT Words says, “The present tense (deserting) suggests that the defection of the Galatians from the truth was not yet complete and would continue unless they changed their views. The middle voice indicates that they were themselves responsible for their declension [falling away], rather than the Judaizers who had influenced them.” God holds us personally responsible to respond to and receive what He provides for maturity.

There is a parallel thought that Paul obviously refers to in (Ex 32:8; Jdg 2:16-17; Ps 106:13). The central feature of the OT and NT passages shows the all too frequent tendency we have – to forget God. In addition, the references are very graphic – in Exodus, God delivers and defends the Israelites and pours abundant blessings upon them – yet they grow impatient and forgetful, make a golden calf, and start pursuing sensuality. God tells Moses what the people are up to, says He would destroy them, and would make another following for Moses. Of course, Moses intercedes for the people but when he gets to the camp and sees what’s going on, he can't believe his eyes.
The example in Judges screams with disappointment at just how quickly the people of God can turn from the security of godly leadership and other blessings of God, “But they went a whoring after other gods.”
The passage in (Ps 106:13) point to forgetfulness as well as ingratitude. The Life Application notes say, “In the wilderness, the Israelites were so intent on getting the food and water they wanted that they became blind to what God wanted. They were more concerned about immediate physical gratification than lasting spiritual satisfaction. They did not want what was best for them, and they refused to trust in God's care and provision (Num 11:18-33). If you complain enough, God may give you what you ask for, even if it is not the best for you. If you're not getting what you want, perhaps God knows it is not in your best interest. Trust in his care and provision.
(from Life Application Bible Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.)

There is much more that can be said about forgetting God but you get the point…prior to desertion, forgetfulness and ingratitude increase…remember and stay grateful.

Paul was shocked and astonished because he saw some in the church falling into confusion. Confusion is perplexity, bewilderment, and disorder. When one is perplexed, their state of mind reflects an inability to grasp something clearly or to think logically and decisively about something. Does that describe some of you? Have you logically and decisively grasped what it means to be a child of God? Do you find yourself thinking just plain foolish thoughts…making an idol of yourself?

In confusion, there is also bewilderment. This means you lose your ability to comprehend your position or situation. This often happens to people who get lost. If they lose their bearing they are unable to determine where they are at to set off in a particular direction= wandering. And disorder is simply the lack of order and the interruption of peace.
Paul saw the Galatians acting as though they were confused. Some in the church were not thinking clearly and decisively and kept flip-flopping. Perhaps some were unable to comprehend their position in Christ and could not seem to get any real direction in their life. Then there were some whose lives were so disorderly and filled with stress.
Do you recall Vines definition? “The present tense (deserting) suggests that the defection of the Galatians from the truth was not yet complete and would continue unless they changed their views.
The middle voice indicates that they were themselves responsible for their declension [falling away].” Before we close for today, I want to offer some Scriptural remedies for confusion.
Confusion is dispelled by asking God for understanding – Jer 33:3; Jas 1:5
Confusion is dispelled by the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit – Jn 14:26; Jn 16:13; 1 Cor 2:9-10,13
Confusion is combated by the teaching of wise leaders – Ac 20:28-30; 2 Ti 2:24-25; 4:2-3; Heb 13:17
Confusion is dispelled by the instruction of Scripture – Ps 119:103-105; 2 Ti 3:16
Confusion leaves as we grow to spiritual maturity – Eph 4:13-14; Php 1:9-10; Heb 5:14

Next time, the Lord willing, we’ll look at the two other pictures of the spiritual life of the Galatian church.