Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth… A rebuke for apostasy. St. Paul tells the Galatians they have been fascinated as with the power which the Orientals ascribe to the "evil eye," notwithstanding the clear representation of the wondrous love of Christ's death set forth in the vivid and impressive preaching of the apostle, as in a picture The fascination of the cross should prevent the power of all other fascinations. Of many it may be asked, "Who did fascinate you?" I. THE FASCINATIONS WHICH TURN US FROM OBEDIENCE TO THE TRUTH. 1. Worldliness. 2. Intellectualism. 3. Novelty. 4. Self-will. II. THE FASCINATION OF THE CROSS SHOULD DESTROY THE POWER OF ALL THESE. The cross should teach us — 1. Self-denial in opposition to worldliness. 2. Humility as against intellectual pride. 3. Steadfastness in place of love of novelty in doctrine. 4. Submission of our will to God.The cross may exercise a magic charm over us. Let us always be in the circle of its influence. (Canon Vernon Hutton.) Parallel Verses KJV: O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? |
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