Galatians 3:1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?
Some of you may remember the old show Bewitched, about a husband who had a wife that was a witch. Of course, she is displayed as a “kind witch,” but she would say a spell and something supernatural would take place. The show was to bring laughter and entertainment. However, there is a real bewitching in this world. There is a real power of placing a spell on someone, and they become bewitched into believing a lie even if most of the world and the Bible opposes it. Paul reprimanded the Galatian church because evil leaders changed the message from Paul that salvation came through works and not faith.
Jim Jones
Remember the followers of Rev. Jim Jones. Jim created the People’s Temple in Indianapolis in 1955. Beginning in the late 1960s, reports of abuse began to surface as Jones became increasingly vocal in his rejection of traditional Christianity and began promoting a form of communism he called “Apostolic Socialism” and making claims of his own divinity. Jones became progressively more controlling of his followers in Peoples Temple, which at its peak had over 3,000 members. Jones’s followers engaged in a communal lifestyle in which many turned over all their income and property to Jones and Peoples Temple, who directed all aspects of community life. Jim was very charismatic and bold. He would work the people into a frenzy as he twisted the word of God. What was their outcome? In 1974 Jim moved his followers to Jonestown in Guyana, and tragically Jim Jones led his followers in a mass murder/suicide in 1978 by drinking a poison-laced drink. The phrase “don’t drink the Kool-Aid” came from this event.
Several popular bewitching sermon teaching:
Christians should be wealthy – If you follow God, he will give you riches. No! God will bless you, but you are not guaranteed wealth. If you are blessed financially, it is for giving to missions and ministry.
All religions send people to heaven. The path to heaven is only through Jesus Christ. “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me. John 14:6
WHO has bewitched you?
Much of the bewitching is by the gifting of the speaker. They are usually a very dynamic, immensely likable person. They are someone who makes people happy to be around them. They are great salesmen and speak well or can create a very spiritual atmosphere. They are people you like being around. You will probably be complimented and made to feel very smart and important to their ministry. But understand this, there is a supernatural side to their power. The evil enemy of your soul helps their influence over you to be magnified supernaturally. Your eyes become blind to the truth. You are in a dangerous place.
Warning signs:
Their truths do not match up with scripture.
If scripture is used, it is twisted to mean something out of context.
There are not large portions of scripture condoning this truth.
Their teaching is not widely accepted.
The teaching makes you feel powerful, and only you can understand the truth.
Bible versions of Galatians 3:1
New Living Translation – Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you?
New Life Version – You foolish Galatians! What strange powers are trying to lead you from the way…
New Century Version – But you were foolish; you let someone trick you.
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