5:7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ga 5:7). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
At a crowded starting line of a marathon, it is common to see a runner tripped up by congestion. Perhaps he is tripped up by an aggressive competitor who intentionally impedes the racer’s progress. This image gives us a good visual of Galatians 5:7.
Many athletes can start well, but it is important how one finishes. Throughout Paul’s letters he would frequently use athletic references. Running was used specifically here in Galatians 5:7, and also in 1 Cor. 9:24-27, Phil. 3:14, and 2 Timothy 4:7. The idea of running carries with it endurance, persistence, fervor, and focus. It seems that the Galatians had struggled with all of those characteristics. From Paul’s first visit to them, they got off to a strong start. As Paul said it, “You were running well.”
The word “hindered” literally means “cut in on”, or “held you back”. The visual of a crowded starting line in a race gives the imagery described. A competitor cuts in on another racer to trip them up, or to gain an advantage. Although in the form of the Judaizer, the answer as to who cut in was very clear. Paul certainly understood that the Enemy was at work.
The Devil had craftily twisted their minds to fall away from the “truth of the Gospel”, as Paul references in Galatians 2:5, 14. The perception is that the Galatians had not fully been convinced to follow the Judaizers, therefore Paul is arguing to convince them to return to the Gospel.
The Gospel is not simply to be heard, but is also to be obeyed. The verb tense of “obeying” in 5:7 is in the present tense. As believers we are called to obey the Gospel continually. Our attention to the Gospel should influence all areas of our life, therefore a solid understanding of the Gospel is required.
We are able to resist the temptation of the Galatians if we develop a clear understanding of the Gospel, and walk in obedience as we apply the Gospel to our life. We must always be aware of the Enemy’s schemes to impede our progress. Praise the Lord.
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