The Man of God is Not Your Enemy

Today

Galatians 4:11-16

Introduction

Paul faced a painful reality: people he had personally led to Christ and invested his life in were turning away from the truths he preached. In Galatians 4:11-16 he asks a stark question — am I become your enemy because I tell you the truth? Tonight we study that question under the sermon title, “The Man of God is Not Your Enemy.” Our purpose is not to make anyone feel condemned but to see why preaching the truth sometimes separates, why that separation is not personal animosity, and how we ought to receive Scripture when its nails pierce the comfortable places of our hearts. This message aims to help you evaluate your heart, encourage growth, and to strengthen your support for God’s appointed servants who care enough to speak truth with love.

I’m preaching a message tonight entitled, the man of God is not your enemy.

Outline

People: The beloved recipients (Galatians 4:11-13)
1. Paul’s relationship — These Galatians were brethren; Paul had personally labored and evangelized among them.
2. Personal investment — He had preached while carrying infirmity; they had received him kindly.
3. Practical application — When a preacher addresses sin or doctrine in a church he has labored in, remember the history of investment and the spiritual family connection.
Passion: The sacrificial affection (Galatians 4:14-15)
1. Reception of the messenger — They received Paul as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus; their love was sacrificial.
2. Proof of devotion — Paul says they would have plucked out their own eyes and given them to him if possible — an image of deep care.
3. Explanation — This shows how a church can begin in passionate devotion; the initial fervor is real and valuable.
4. Pastoral note — Leaders long to see that sacrificial love continue; when it cools, it wounds both preacher and people.
Problem: The truth that separates (Galatians 4:16)
1. Question of hostility — “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” The problem is not personality but truth.
2. Truth hurts, but not to harm — The preacher’s aim is correction and healing (like the dentist) rather than harm.
3. Self-examination — Offense at truth usually signals something in us unwilling to change; when truth stings, ask why.
Five Truths That Often Separate Churches
1. Truth about sin
  1. Generic condemnation of sin is received; specific naming of individual sins often offends.
  2. Scriptural example — Paul named sexual immorality at Corinth (1 Corinthians 5:1-2) to bring needed discipline and repentance.
  3. Explanation — Naming sin is not gossip but accountability; the goal is restoration, not humiliation.
2. Truth about soul winning
  1. Some claim salvation but reject the responsibility to actively tell others.
  2. Scriptural pattern — Jesus and Paul evangelized door to door (Acts 20:20); the church must be outward focused.
  3. Practical step — Every believer is called to be involved in sharing the Gospel, inviting, and serving outreach.
3. Truth about separation
  1. Biblical call — “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:17; note used as doctrine of separation).
  2. Clarification — Separation is not mere isolation; it is separation unto God and His standards, not mere censoriousness.
  3. Pastoral encouragement — Separation will be misunderstood, but consistent separation honors God and affects how others treat you.
4. Truth about sacrifice
  1. Tithing and giving offend some who mistake motive; Scripture promises blessing for faithful giving (Malachi 3:10).
  2. Missionary support and stewardship require sacrificial hearts; supporting missions expands the reach of the local church.
  3. Practical note — Giving is worship and partnership with God’s work; it is meant to bless you, not to enrich preachers.
5. Truth about expression
  1. Corporate responses (amens, clapping, joy) sometimes unsettle those who prefer restraint — biblical worship includes joyful expression (Psalm 47:1).
  2. Explanation — Forms of worship vary by local custom, but heartfelt response to God’s work should be encouraged, not derided.
How Preachers Should Preach
1. With truth and compassion — Preaching must be faithful to Scripture and pastoral in tone; truth without love wounds needlessly.
2. With clarity and courage — The man of God must name sin and call for repentance, but do so in the spirit of a loving shepherd.
3. With humility — The preacher is a fallible instrument; respect for office does not mean deification of the man.
How Hearers Should Hear
1. Examine the heart — When offended by truth, ask whether your soil is hard (Matthew 13) rather than blaming the sower or seed.
2. Receive with gratitude — Faithful wounds of a friend correct; kisses of an enemy deceive (Proverbs 27:6).
3. Respond in repentance — You can get mad at the truth, or you can fix what the truth exposes. Choose to fix it.

Summary

Paul’s stern question in Galatians 4:16 is timeless: truth will separate. That separation is not the preacher’s desire for division but the effect of God’s Word confronting sin and sloth. The man of God who preaches faithfully is a friend who wounds for our good, not an enemy who flatters for deceit. Saved, sacrificial people can still drift into offense because the word of God unmasks what we love more than our Lord. Preachers must deliver truth with the compassion of Christ; hearers must examine their soil and be willing to change. The outcome is restoration, blessing, and a purer testimony for Christ.

Am I therefore become your enemy? Because I tell you the truth?

Application for the Week

The goal of application is to move from knowledge to practice. Below are concrete, biblical steps to help you respond to truth, support your pastor, and cultivate soil ready to receive God’s Word.

Examine Your Heart Daily
1. Spend five minutes each morning asking the Lord to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). Write one habit or attitude that needs change and pray for the grace to change it.
Receive Correction Humbly
1. When a sermon points out sin or a needed change, don’t react immediately. Pause and ask, “Is this true? What should I do about it?” If necessary, invite a trusted believer to pray with you and give counsel.
Support Your Man of God
1. Encourage him with a note or a short message this week. If finances allow, send a card of appreciation. Pray for him daily and ask God to give him wisdom, stamina, and compassion.
Engage in One Soul-winning Action
1. Invite one person to church or hand out at least two Gospel tracts this week. Make a short list of two neighbors or co-workers and pray for opportunity to speak with them about Christ.
Practice Incremental Separation
1. Choose one worldly habit you will begin to remove this week (television program, ungodly language, social media time) and replace it with Scripture reading or prayer time. Track small wins each day.
Be Generous for Kingdom Work
1. Pray about the Lord’s provision for tithes, missions, and church ministry. If you have not regularly supported missions, commit to a sacrificial gift or regular prayer support for a missionary this month.
Cultivate Joyful Worship
1. If you are naturally reserved, this week allow a simple, Bible-based expression of praise (say “Amen,” clap once, or tell the musician “Well done!”) to encourage others and honor God in public worship.

Begin small, be consistent, and ask the Holy Spirit to make these steps fruitful. If a brother or sister’s preaching pierces you, thank God that His truth is active — then respond by repentance and renewed obedience. Remember: the man of God is not your enemy; he is a steward of the Word sent to help you stand firm in Christ.