“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!” (Galatians 5:7–12)

Although it was a lifetime ago, the year I graduated from Seminary, I still remember watching the 1984 Olympics. One of the most infamous events was the women’s 3000 meter race, when Zola Budd collided with Mary Decker, knocking the favorite out of the race. Decker went down hard and was sobbing on the infield, unable to continue.

We will all get knocked down at times. The question is, “How will we deal with it.” I saw a video earlier this week of a 200 meter race for young girls. One young lady stepped out of her shoe at the start of the race. She went back, put on her shoe, and then continued. She ended up winning the race! She kept her eye on the goal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmPhmU3xiWw

Errors and false doctrines will be all around us, trying to trip us and distract us from the truth that we are saved as a gift of God by believing that Jesus has paid for our sins.  Paul compares those false teachings to yeast, reminding us it only takes a little to work its way into the entire loaf. Paul has some harsh words for those who introduce the yeast of false teachings into the body of Christ. In this chapter he has been addressing those who insist on circumcision, and he says they should take it even further and emasculate themselves! He also says they will pay a penalty for their false teachings.

It is important for the followers of Jesus to know what they believe and why. That is why we always go back to the question, “What does the Bible say?” Our church body has a heritage of encouraging all believers to dig into the Word for themselves. Don’t rely on others to tell you what is in there. Let the Word speak directly to you. It is good to study and discuss the Word with others, but be sure you are getting into it individually.

Lord, keep us steadfast in Thy Word;
Curb those who fain by craft and sword
Would wrest the Kingdom from Thy Son
And set at naught all He hath done.

Lord Jesus Christ, Thy pow’r make known,
For Thou art Lord of lords alone;
Defend Thy Christendom that we
May evermore sing praise to Thee.

O Comforter of priceless worth,
Send peace and unity on earth.
Support us in our final strife
And lead us out of death to life.

(The Lutheran Hymnal #261)