Paul warns of returning to the yoke of slavery. He then lights up the salvation by works crowd, stating that those who receive circumcision are actually severed from Christ. While Paul focused on circumcision, a main contention between Jews and Gentile believers, his words could easily be applied to our favorite "good deeds". To sum it up in v6 Paul discounts circumcision, again "works", and hones in on the essence of our responsibilities in Christ, faith working through love.
They had it. They were running along fine, then WHAMO! Paul warns that just a little bit of this salvation by works affects the entire group, or church. I like the phrasing Paul uses in verse 10... he has confidence in them *in the Lord* that they will adopt no other view. Paul knew that left to ourselves they/we are easily persuaded away, BUT in the Lord they/we could find no other view. Paul's passion for this topic is evident in what he wishes upon the deceivers, mutilation... I'm fairly certain that this was of a sexual nature.
Again the passion of Paul and the warnings he provides on not living solely on the freedom found in Christ should be a reminder to us today. The church back then inflected this works based teaching on new believers, I think it still enters in subtlely in today's church... again Paul warns that it only takes a little to grab hold and effect the entire assembly.
Lord, Remind me to rest assured in your freedom through Christ and give me discrenment on warning others of salvation by works based thinking.
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