The truth of the Gospel

But because of false believers secretly brought in, who slipped in to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might enslave us— we did not submit to them even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might always remain with you - Galations 2:4-5

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Reflecting on the pastoral writing of St. Paul to the young church in Galatia, especially in verse 4-5, where he highlighted the dangers of false believers, who slipped into the church to spy on them, and reminded the young believers the importance of submitting only to one and only true gospel. The gospel of Christ’s immaculate conception, through a virgin birth (prophesied many centuries before), His ministry of healing and deliverance, His arrest, cruel death by crucifixion and glorious ascension into heaven. He who is awaiting to receive us, those who are faithful to this gospel of truth till our very last breath, that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. 

My prayer for all of us, including myself, is that we will each hold firm to the One True teaching of Jesus Christ and not be swayed by many false teachers who have come since then. As our Lord sent out the Twelve with these instructions: “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves…” (Mat 10:16) 

I’ll close my short reflection with this beautiful hymn by CityAlight Worship:

Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me 

Verse 1 

What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer 

There is no more for heaven now to give 

He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom 

My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace 

Chorus 1 

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus 

For my life is wholly bound to His 

Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing, "All is mine" 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me 

Verse 2

The night is dark but I am not forsaken 

For by my side, the Saviour He will stay 

I labour on in weakness and rejoicing 

For in my need, His power is displayed 

Chorus 2 

To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me 

Through the deepest valley He will lead 

Oh, the night has been won, and I shall overcome 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me 

Verse 3 

No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven 

The future's sure, the price it has been paid 

For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave 

Chorus 3 

To this I hold, my sin has been defeated 

Jesus now and ever is my plea 

Oh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free" 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me 

Verse 4 

With every breath, I long to follow Jesus 

For He has said that He will bring me home 

And day by day I know He will renew me 

Until I stand with joy before the throne 

Final Chorus 

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus 

All the glory evermore to Him 

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat 

"Yet not I, but through Christ in me" 

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus 

All the glory evermore to Him 

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat 

"Yet not I, but through Christ in me" 

Ending 

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat 

"Yet not I, but through Christ in me" 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me

Songwriters: Michael Farren, Rich Thompson, Jonny Robinson. For non-commercial use only. 

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/zundjUFazfg?si=HFj8OczDYCFyp0KQ

Reflection on Galatians 2:1-10 by Chris Tan