To the Philippian believers alone did Paul write that he was “confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (i.e., His return)” (See Philippians 1:6). But to the Galatian assembly Paul wrote something quite different, saying, “I marvel that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel” (See Galatians 1:6). He spoke of how the Philippian believers were “filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God” (See Philippians 1:11). But to the Galatian believers, Paul wrote, “O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth?” (See Galatians 2:1).
All too many read Paul’s letter to the Philippians and think that what he says in that epistle applies to every Christian in every assembly throughout the ages, and, of course, such is not the case, nor do his words to the Galatian believers apply to all other believers of any other age and time. Paul told the Philippian believers that they shined as lights in the world. (See Philippians 2:15). He spoke of how God worked in them “both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (See Philippians 2:13). Not so with the Galatians, whom he warned were frustrating the grace of God. (See Galatians 2:21). Vast numbers of Christians today frustrate the grace of God, for God extends to them the knowledge and the strength to overcome every temptation to sin and to shine as lights in the world, drawing others to Jesus Christ by the more than obvious change in their lives, yet the lives many live are not much different than the lives of the unsaved and ungodly among whom they walk day to day.
In summing up his letter to the Philippians, Paul calls them his “joy and crown!” (See Philippians 4:1). But to the Galatians, he writes, “I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain” (See Galatians 4:11). “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16). And, again, “I stand in doubt of you” (Galatians 4:20). “Who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth?” (Galatians 5:7). And in closing his letter to the Galatians, Paul warns,”Be not deceived. God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap” (See Galatians 6:7).
That, brethren is rightly dividing the Word of God, something many fail to do. God help you to understand.
Christ’s Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley