but even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed, [galatians 1:8]
accursed = ἀνάθεμα (anathema), a devoted thing, ordinarily in a bad sense, a curse, execration
the latter half of this verse uses verbiage that we do not hear often in modern times. for the most of us, the last time we came across a curse being cast onto someone was in a movie where said character must find “true love” in order to break the spell or perhaps in a horror movie. outside of film though, the word curse is rarely used. the reason i make a point of saying that is because it is really, really easy to read a verse like this and shrug it off. not only have i never encountered someone who has been cursed, i’ve never heard of someone being cursed. in reality, it sometimes feels like the people who preach against the gospel have great lives as if to contradict what paul is saying. unfortunately, there will always be false teachers, but thankfully the bible warns us against such practices!
so faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (romans 10:17).
for such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. and no wonder, for even satan disguises himself as an angel of light. so it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. their end will correspond to their deeds (2 corinthians 11:13-15).
this next part is more of a side note. john ryan, one of my lot fam leaders, prompted everyone to answer a question that went something along the lines of, “what advice would you give to your yourself when you were younger?” a few people gave their answers, but john’s answer was, “ask more questions.” i think this applies here. do not be afraid to ask questions, especially if you are young in faith. do not be afraid to ask people questions in church about teaching and doctrine. more importantly, do not be afraid to ask God questions, big or small. if you don’t know where to begin, start there in your conversation with God. admit that you don’t know where to begin or don’t know how to get back on track. God will move!!
~ angela younger