Appeal and Relationship

Appeal starts with Reflection

Reflection on

Their past-they were enslaved to demonic powers/not Divine=Before Christ, the Galatians were enslaved to false gods and empty rituals

Presently-they are sons of God-Free in Christ Jesus but rejecting Him and turning back to the demonic worldly .....Colossians 2:20-23

Colossians 2:20–23 MSG

So, then, if with Christ you’ve put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it? “Don’t touch this! Don’t taste that! Don’t go near this!” Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention? Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they’re just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important.

They had changed from freedom and joy to the demands of effort and solitude—I can do this, whereas in Christ-He has done this for me and now He does this in me!! Galatians are no longer enjoying free and JOYFUL communion of children with a loving Father; it has become an impossible routine of standards and failures....they never say good job it is always you need to do better...control

3. Proof-they were practicing these rituals and celebrations=Observing special days and rituals as a means of righteousness undermines the gospel.

4. Fear-Have I wasted my time?

Prodigal son comes to his senses and realizes he doesn’t deserve to be a son but he no longer desires to be a slave to the world...

Paul was deeply concerned about the Galatians observing Jewish religious days because these observances threatened their spiritual freedom in Christ. The Judaizers were strategically introducing parts of the Mosaic law to the Gentile Christians, starting with festivals and potentially leading to full legal observance1. Specifically, these false apostles were teaching that observing these religious days was necessary for righteousness—suggesting that keeping these laws would obtain salvation, and neglecting them would result in damnation2.

Paul was particularly troubled by the “scrupulous” and “careful” way these observances were being adopted, recognizing how a legalistic religious system develops meticulous ritualistic practices. As a former Pharisee, he was pained to see Gentile Christians being “enslaved by a mere formal, lifeless ritual”1. His fundamental concern was that adherence to cyclical celebrations would become a means of obtaining or maintaining favor with God—a “religion of days, months, seasons, and years” that could never truly liberate believers. Instead, true liberation comes only “through faith in the one who came ‘in the fullness of time’”3. Paul was adamant that consciences should not be bound to the Mosaic law, repeatedly emphasizing Christian liberty and warning that such legalistic practices could actually render “Christ... profit you nothing”2.

Examine: Are there traditions, rules, or habits you rely on for righteousness instead of Christ?

Appeal to Relationship

Law verses Grace in a relationship

Reflect: Do you value relationships built on gospel truth, or do you let new voices sway you?

Paul makes an appeal from the Grace of God that Governs his life and actions-

His PLEA-“I entreat you...become as I as I have become like you” you did me no wrong

1. Paul appeals personally, reminding them of their past love and hospitality toward him.

2. His Preaching of the Gospel—-The Galatians once received Paul and the gospel joyfully, despite his weakness, which was a trial.

Verse 15 “What then has become of your blessedness?” you had joy and were a blessing to me and others....when you turn to serve from performance instead of people...you lose joy...not salvation but joy of and in the LORD.

3. Now, by turning to false teachers, they risk treating Paul as an enemy. Paul appeals through confrontation...Am I your enemy???

The church in SS dying because of this

Reflect: Do you value relationships built on gospel truth, or do you let new voices sway you?

Practice: Honor those who have invested spiritually in you; don’t let temporary influences erode lasting bonds

True Pastoral love

Paul now shares his love as their pastor in contrast with the false teachers

Exposes False motives

these Judiazers-false teachers- were zealous for the Galatians but for no good purpose...they wanted to win them over to their own side and alienate them from Paul——this is the heart of GOSSIP and slander-they shut you out....mine mine mine...listen to me for I have the greatest revelation, the most knowledge and maturity!!!

2. Clarifies True Zeal-Zeal is commendable if the purpose is good and consistent....I want you to be conformed to the image of Jesus...be Christlike...Christ formed in you

are you part of discipleship around here or is Sunday all that your a part of.” I don’t need to be discipled”

3. Shares his love for them-Love sacrifices and endures pain for the object of love. Mother giving birth is the comparison

Ephesians 5:25–27 ESV

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

John 15:13 ESV

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

4. Perplexed I wish I was with you!!!

Don’t go back move forward in what God through Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit is doing in you! Trust Him.

Philippians 1:6 ESV

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.