Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved.
What an unusual word to describe evil people: DOGS. It wasn't as unusual in the Middle East in Biblical days. Unlike in the United States where dogs are domesticated, groomed, pampered and cared for like a human in other parts of the world dogs often run in packs in the streets. They are dirty, scavengers, dangerous and frightening. To be called a dog is a great insult, and yet this is the word the Bible chooses to describe people.
The people described are perverting the gospel of grace and mercy. They are adding to the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, where He died for sin. They are adding to the gospel the demands of the Mosaic Law. Anything added to the finished work of Christ adds good works and deeds to the requirements of the gospel. The response to the gospel is faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."
The warning of the Bible is to watch out for dogs, people who add to the gospel and require more than God's grace for salvation. In this case the Judaizers are requiring all those who believed in Christ for salvation to be circumcised in accordance with Jewish Law in addition to their faith in Christ. The Judiazers were true freedom killers. The Bible considered these people evil.
You may have listened to the freedom killers, the dogs, the evil ones telling you that in order to be saved you had to adhere to certain rules, regulations, and laws. The Bible is quite clear. These are in opposition to the grace and mercy of God. Faith is all that is needed. Titus 2:5 "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit."
Do not allow the dogs to take away from you the freedom you have found in Christ by adding the law to your faith. God desires all His children to be free. You can walk by faith and experience God's grace and mercy. "Watch out for the dogs."
_________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ
It is summer in Arizona. We have broken two heat records already this week with a 106* on Sunday and 103* on Monday. I watched the snow storm on the East Coast and thanked God I live in Arizona. Heat means outdoor living, swimming pools, fun in the sun and lots of sun screen. Collin is playing soccer so the family watched him melt in the sun on Saturday.Bennett finished his Spring Musical on Saturday. He is extremely tired, but thoroughly enjoyed performing. Wonder where he gets that? I think Burke and Jennifer saw almost every performance. They are tired too.
Sammy and Kathy, Sandy's brother and his wife, were here this week. We had a fun time with family get togethers. Saturday we all ventured out to a local restaurant to eat. We had a great time. I took a few pictures to remember the moment.
I leave for Missouri this week. I will be preaching at Second Baptist Church of Lebanon starting on Sunday evening. I look forward to renewing old acquaintances. The pastor, Roger Marshall, and I were roommates in college. He was also a groomsman in our wedding. We have known one another for forty-nine years. WOW!
The pastor of First Baptist Church of Tempe has asked me to preach for him on May 20th. Please pray for me and the preparation for the message from God's Word. I will be preaching three services back to back: 8, 9:30 and 11:00. Pray for physical stamina as well as spiritual strength. Thanks.
God has blessed me and Sandy so much. Both of us are grateful for God's mercy and strength to continue a teaching and preaching ministry as well as enjoy our family and friends. Your prayers and concern are so helpful. Thanks for caring. We love you and enjoy hearing from you.
God bless you this week. I pray God will bless your efforts in ministry. Serve the Lord with gladness. ~ DGW
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