Don’t Trade Freedom for Familiar

Galatians 4:8–20 CSB

8 But in the past, since you didn’t know God, you were enslaved to things that by nature are not gods. 9 But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elements? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? 10 You are observing special days, months, seasons, and years. 11 I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted. 12 I beg you, brothers and sisters: Become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have not wronged me; 13 you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a weakness of the flesh. 14 You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you. On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus himself. 15 Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So then, have I become your enemy because I told you the truth? 17 They court you eagerly, but not for good. They want to exclude you from me, so that you would pursue them. 18 But it is always good to be pursued in a good manner—and not just when I am with you. 19 My children, I am again suffering labor pains for you until Christ is formed in you. 20 I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you.

Don’t let the familiar things of the past enslave you.

How easy we fall back into the things of the past - as believers in Christ the old is put away and we need to let it go.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “institutionalized” - when someone has been locked up so long that they don’t know how to live free anymore. The structure, rules, and routines they once hated have become their comfort. Some, unable to cope with freedom, intentionally reoffend just to go back. Not because they love the cell - but because the cell is familiar.

God delivers us from the prison of sin and legalism, but as soon as things get hard or unfamiliar, we find ourselves longing for what used to be. We cling to man-made trraditions or worldly comforts. Why? Because grace requires trust - and legalism only requires control.

Familiar chains are still chains.

Don’t let tradition keep you from moving forward.

The Judaizers brought the Jewish traditions to the Galatians, all the special days and events.

The issue wasn’t the traditions themselves - the issue was that holding on to those was seen as a means to please God.

It is not keeping tradition that pleases God but faithfulness to following His will and direction for your life.

A family passes down a recipe, and each generation cuts the roast in half before baking it in the oven. One day a child asks why. It turns out, their great-great-grandmother did it because her oven was too small. The tradition outlived its need.

Tradition should point you forward, not hold you back.

Don’t let the truth of the gospel keep you from listening to the messenger.

When Paul first came to Galatia they welcomed him with open arms - he goes so far to say the “received him as an angel of God” - not a literal angel but as a messenger from God.

Now people are all worked up because the Judaizers says things should be one way.

One small group was able to turn the church from listening and following to now looking at the messenger as the enemy.

The truth is not always popular and it will ruffle feathers - usually people don’t complain about what is said, they find other issues to bring up instead.

This will stop me from preaching the truth or pushing what God is leading us to do as a church.

Remember - “The truth will set you free - but first, it may make you uncomfortable.”

The ultimate goal of our labor is to be conformed to the image of Christ.

Coaches don’t push their players just for the sake of exertion. The sweat, the pain, the repetition - none of it is meaningless. It’s targeted. Strategic. A coach sees potential and labors tirelessly to draw it out. They stretch, challenge, and even frustrate their athletes, not because they enjoy causing discomfort, but because they know what greatness lies on the other side of the grind.

God uses pastors, teachers and other believers to help shape Christ in us.

Remember this - you are known by God.

I love C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series. Aslan the lion represents God in the series. In “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” there is a tender moment when Lucy, feeling unsure and unseen in her journey, hears Aslan say, “Child, I know you.”

They are just a few simple words, but they echo with profound weight. He doesn’t just know about her. He knows HER - deeply, intimately, and personally. Her fears, he hopes, her mistakes, her heart. And still, He speaks those words with love.

The essence of Paul’s assertion that we are adopted by grace is this - we are known by God. It is not earned. Not performance-based. It’s the Father saying, “You are Mine. I’ve seen it all - and I’ve chose you anyway.”

You are full known… and fully loved.