Continuing our studies of Galatians, we dive into Galatians 4:1-20. The Apostle Paul passionately addresses the Galatians, who are at risk of turning away from grace. As we unpack these verses, we will consider three main points:
Christian Growth
The Risk of Turning Back
Developing a Proper Desire
Let's jump in.
The Text
Galatians 4:1–20 (NIV)
“What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you. I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!
Christian Growth (4:1-7)
Paul begins by drawing a powerful analogy between an heir who is still a child and those under the law.
Galatians 4:1–2 (NIV)
"What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father."
Paul highlights the immaturity and lack of freedom experienced by those under the law.
Galatians 4:3–5 (NIV)
"So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship."
God sent Jesus to redeem us, to free us from the slavery of the law, and to adopt us as His children. This is good news for Paul and us today and is central to the gospel.
Galatians 4:6–7 (NIV)
"Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."
Those who have faith in Christ are no longer slaves but children and heirs of God. We grow in our Christ as we walk in Him. Embracing our identity as God's children, His word, and the Spirit directs us to understand what it means to be His children and part of His family.
Illustration:
We have read stories or perhaps experienced for ourselves children raised in an orphanage for much of their lives. They know the rules and routines but have never experienced the love of a family. One day, a loving couple adopts a child. At first, they struggle to adjust. They still wake up early, expect chores, and hesitate to call their new parents "Mom" and "Dad." Over time, however, they begin to understand that they are no longer orphans. They are now a son or a daughter with all the rights and privileges of being part of a family.
Paul is teaching the Galatians and us today that we have been adopted into God's family, and our growth involves embracing our identity as His family.
The Risk of Turning Back (4:8-16)
As we move forward in our text, Paul shifts his tone, expressing concern for the Galatians.
Galatians 4:8–9 (NIV)
"Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?"
Paul is baffled that the Galatians, having experienced the freedom of the gospel, are considering returning to the bondage of the law. Paul's warning is stern and heartfelt.
Galatians 4:10–11 (NIV)
"You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you."
The Galatians are falling back into legalistic practices, thinking they can earn God's favor by observing certain rituals. This is a serious risk for all believers. We can all slip back into the temptation of reverting to our old patterns of living and thinking to rely on our efforts rather than God's grace.
In verses 12-16, Paul makes a personal appeal, reminding the Galatians of their mutual love and the joy they shared when they first received the gospel. He records:
Galatians 4:12–16 (NIV)
"I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?"
Paul's genuine affection and concern for the Galatians are evident. He urges them not to lose the joy and freedom they found in Christ.
Illustration:
I recently watched a show about the story of a man who had been falsely accused of murder and who had spent most of his life in prison. Through DNA evidence, his case was overturned, and he was freed. He is an extremely gifted singer and now can share his talent with the world. He can feel the sun on his face and fill his lungs with fresh air.
What would have happened if he had missed his cell's familiarity and prison routines? What would have happened if the outside world had been overwhelming and he had returned to his cell? The world would not have heard him sing.
Through the gospel, Paul declares that Christ has set us free. Returning to the rules and routines of the law is like returning to a cell. We need to experience and share the joy and freedom found in Christ.
Developing a Proper Desire (4:17-20)
In verses 17-18, Paul addresses the motives of those leading the Galatians astray. "Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you."
Paul recognizes the danger of misguided zeal. The Galatians are being directed by those who want to lead them away from the true gospel.
Paul desires that the Galatians develop a proper desire—a zeal for what is good and faithful.
Galatians 4:19–20 (NIV)
"My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!"
Paul's ultimate goal is for Christ to be formed in the Galatians. This is the essence of what it means to follow Christ.
Crossing The Context
As we land the plane: Pursue Christlikeness.
Reflect on areas where you may be tempted to revert to old patterns or rely on your efforts instead of God's grace.
Grow in your identity as God's child, resist turning back, and develop a proper desire for Christ to be formed in you.
Notes:
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from: ”Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Recommended Resources:
BibleProject, Galatians Overview Video
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