Galatians 4:8-20

Introduction:

Pray

Turn Bible to

I have divided this section in 2:

Outline:

The problem (v.8-10) Pauls’s Rebuke & Solutions(v.11-20)

The problem (v.8-10)

The problem (v.8-10)

Paul’s Rebuke & Solutions(v.11-20)

Pauls’s Rebuke & Solutions(v.11-20)

lets look at 1. The problem (v.8-10)

1. The 2 Problems (v.8-10)

There is two problems...

The 2 Problems:

The problem before (v.8-9a)

The problem now (v.9b-10)

1. The Problem Before: Idols (v.8-9a)

lets read verse 8 together

lets read verse 8-9a together

as your read: explain “oida” v.8 & “ginosko” v.9a

Galatians 4:8–10 NKJV

8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years.

Galatians 4:8 NKJV

8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.

Gal 4:8-

Galatians 4:9 NKJV

9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?

Before the Galatians “knew God” (intellectually & Personally) they worshipped idols:

Before the Galatians “knew God” (intellectually & Personally) they worshipped idols:

The problem before (v.8)

The problem now - (v.9-10)

The problem now - v.9-10

Before the Galatians “knew God” they worshipped idols:

“Oida” & “Ginosko”

Unlike the Galatians we may have intellectually knew of God (oida v.8) - (through Sunday school)

but no one automatically knows God personally (ginosko v.9) esp. without being born again,

& so we also have worshipped idols. either previously or currently.

This teaches us that there is a major Biblical difference between knowing God

intellectually and knowing God personally

and knowing God personally

Its the difference from reading someones resume and being their best friend

Its the difference of knowing what a dog is... to knowing your own dog

Megan wouldn't want me to treat her with only oida knowledge..

“Your a girl, Your you have honey colored hair, you sing,”

Your a girl, Your you have honey colored hair, you sing,

-No she is a person.. and there is layers to her and her personality.

No she is a person.. and there is layers to her and her personality.

Some of you only have an “oida” knowledge of God.

So you may sing songs to Him like you are good, your creator, you died on the cross.

But God is like you don’t know me (ginosko)

See God wants us to know Him beyond His resume in the Bible.

& He wants to know us too.

& He wants to know us too.

A relationship takes two people .. each interested in getting to know each other

So based on this Biblical understanding do you have a relationship with God?

Is God getting to know you and are you getting to know God?

Is God getting to know you and are you getting to know God?

So the Galatians not only had no “oida” knowledge of God

they also had no “ginosko” knowledge

and so all they had to look to is Idols

We relate in that before we knew God we worshipped idols.

“

When Pauls say knew God he isnt just saying you knew of God but is speaking of our relationship:

“Ginosko” - knowledge through experience

I know this because in verse

If you want to dig deep in todays message then you need to know that:

Idol worship goes back to those element principles of the world we talked about last week.

Last wek we learned that every religion, idol, worship uses the same element principle in their worship

To summarize every religion to clear your conscience (whether its idols, mormons, or even atheism)

you have to do something....

whether it is some action, or questioning the existence of what is causing the guilt

No matter what mankind uses some element principle to clear its conscience.

Paul is just saying that before they knew God they used element principles of this world to try to reach God (even if it was the wrong god)

Teaching us that there is a major Biblical difference between knowing God intellectually (as a person)

We relate in that before we knew God we worshipped idols.

Its the difference from reading someones resume and being their best friend

Its the difference of knowing what a dog is to knowing your dog

Megan wouldn't want me to treat her with only oida knowledge..

Your a girl, Your you have honey colored hair, you sing,

-No she is a person.. and there is layers to her and her personality.

That is the point right of dating right to maybe go from the oida knwoedge you have them to being able to know them (ginosko) by getting to know them as a person.

Some of you only have a oida knowledge of God.

Your you have honey colored hair

So you may sing songs to Him like you are good, your creator, you died on the cross.

But God is like you don’t know me (ginosko)

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See God wants us to know Him beyond His resume in the Bible. He wants to know us it says too.

Remember a relationship takes two people to get to know each other.

Based on this Biblical understanding do you have a relationship with God?

Is God getting to know you and you are getting to know God?

Paul is just saying that before they knew God they used basic principles of this world to try to reach God (even if it was the wrong god)

In Galatia’s case it was a star god they tried to please & get answers from by using magic, omens, and horoscopes.

maybe you are guilty of similar idolatry

but I would say that

In our case it is a “Jesus we made up” that we try to please and get answers by our efforts

The Jesus you worship isn't the Jesus of the Bible

but is a Jesus that expects you to match His righteousness

and if you don’t you’re not worthy of God’s relationship.

In some of your cases it is a “me” god you try to please and get answers by pursuing entertainment, or fun, or being like by others, or Instagram Influencers, or Youtube stars, or through video games, or some other vain thing.

Its obvious when you serve a “me” god because you care more about your will then Gods, & you care more about what is done to you then what is done to God and His people”

So other than Jesus no person was born surrendered to God with a personal relationship with him

So no one is born knowing God personally until they are born again

and because of that we have all worshipped or currently worshipping some idol (self, someone, something)

For the Galatians they had been born again from idol worship..... but here is the 2nd problem

Problem 1 was idols, lets see what Problem 2 is

2. The problem now (v.9b-10)

lets read v.9-10

point out the ginosko (v.9)

Galatians 4:9–10 NKJV

9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years.

A lot of Christians assume this means that the Galatian Christians were going back to idol worship.

Absolutely not!

They were turning to the weak and beggarly elements of the world

basically: a human effort to clear its conscience

it is a human effort to clear its conscience

I love that Paul calls its weak and beggarly.

Because every effort mankind makes to clear its conscience

is basically mankind reaching up begging for something to help them.

what a contrast by the Gospel that is God reaching down to us.

which is contrasted by the Gospel that is God reaching down to us.

Let me phrase in 3 ways what Paul is saying:

“Paul is saying that the church is applying idol type of worship to Jesus”

“Paul is saying that the church is using elements of the world in their worship to Jesus”

2. “Paul is saying that the church is using elements of the world in their worship to Jesus”

“Paul is saying that the church is trying to earn God’s favor and love through “righteous” actions.

3. “Paul is saying that

As Paul says in verse 9 it is bondage.

Making your rights and wrongs foundational in your walk with God is like putting on handcuffs when Jesus wants to hold your hand.

If your relationship with God is centered on your rights your missing out on God’s grace

If your relationship with God is centered on your wrong your missing out on God’s grace

I don’t know about you but it is at this point in Galatians that I began to experience (gonosko) the freedom in Christ.

And realize that when God wants me to do righteous things it only to make me more Christ-like but there is no condemnation, and Im not made right but the wrongs or rights I do.

When you make your relationship with God based off the rights and wrongs you do

you put yourself in a trap

your like a spider caught in its own web....

like .....

John David drinking out of a Starbucks Cup.

Go ahead and screen shot here.

Post it with caption “Jaydee illustrating trapping yourself from God’s goodness”

@ccc_royals

Im joking but this may be the greatest truth mankind has ever discovered.

If your relationship with God is determined by all the things you do right you’re missing out on God’s grace

If your relationship with God is determined by your wrongs you’re missing out on God’s grace

Making your rights and wrongs foundational in your walk with God is like putting on handcuffs when Jesus wants to hold your hand.

If your relationship with God is centered on your wrong your missing out on God’s grace

I don’t know about you but it is at this point in Galatians

I don’t know about you but it is at this point in Galatians that I began to experience (gonosko) the freedom in Christ.

that I began to experience (ginosko) the freedom in Christ.

And realize that: when God wants me to do righteous things it is simply to make me more Christ-like

and there is no condemnation,

and Im not made right by the wrongs or rights I do.

And realize that when God wants me to do righteous things it only to make me more Christ-like

but there is no condemnation,

and Im not made right by the wrongs or rights I do.

However the Galatians like many (maybe you) are treating God with idol type worship and not like a relationship.

Now we are going to see how Paul feels about this...

but lets remember Paul is filled with the Spirit and is writing on behalf of God

but lets remember Paul is filled with the Spirit and is writing on behalf of God

so He is also expressing how God feels about this.

so He is also expressing how God feels about this.

2. Pauls’s Rebuke & Solutions(v.11-20)

Galatians 4:11–20 NKJV

11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain. 12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all. 13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth? 17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.

Galatians

Here we see Paul have 5 points in His Rebuke and 3 Solutions to not treating God like a religion:

Paul’s Rebuke: 5 points

1. Starts with Paul fears for them, and ends with hurts for them (v.11, 19)

Shows me that when we disable our relationship with God with basing it off our righteousness/sin

God is concerned for us and hurts for us

2. All hard work for nothing (v.11)

As a pastor I know this hurt…

when you put so much effort for the people and it goes in and out the other ear.

I never get to say this but I will be hurt if you listen to this message

I never get to say this but I will be hurt if you listen to this message

and continue to try to earn God’s acceptance or love.

and continue to try to earn God’s acceptance or love.

or if you continue to think God will never love or accept you because of what you did

I guess as a pastor you see how people are like sheep and hear things and totally miss it and not apply it their lives…

because of what you did

or if you continue to think God will never love or accept you because of what you did

which I 100% am guilty of

but i do get to share the frustration.

I guess as a pastor you see how people are like sheep and hear things and totally miss it and not apply it their lives…

which I 100% am guilty of but i do get to share the frustration.

Sometimes I have to tell myself “Nate listen to this and

So just listen.... I don’t fill my content with stories or my opinions

I just explain the meaning of the text…

so you’re going to get hear something that you need to apply to your life

So just listen.... I don’t fill my content with stories or my opinions

I just explain the meaning of the text… so your going to get something you need for your life.

Not cause I am good but because His Word is good and alive and His Spirit speaks to us.

“His Word does not return void ()

says:

2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

So when God’s Word is taught we (myself included) need to tune in our ears to hear what the Spirit has to say

Like we read in

Revelation 2:29 NKJV

29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

My wish is that I don’t want to have to be like Paul with you and think:

Did I waste my time teaching them.

3. Paul recounts when they first met and how they accepted him (v.13b-15)

What does this have to do with a rebuke?

It’s actually a good slam.

So in this section Paul mentions how he was accepted despite his physical infirmity

I don’t know about you but I am curious about what his physical infirmity is:

(he later mentions in v.15 that they would have plucked out their eyes)

which probably is referring to what Paul called the thorn in his flesh in .

which probably is referring to what Paul called the thorn in his flesh in .

So based off these verses and (see what large letters)

So based off these verses and (see what large letters)

I believe he suffered from an eye disorder from the Damascus Road in

Commentators believe it is likely Ophthalmia

likely Ophthalmia

scholars believe he suffered from an eye disorder from the Damascus Road in likely Ophthalmia

So why does Paul mentions this?

The culture then thought that some physcialy damage like

Because both Jews and Gentiles would have believed that what Paul had was a judgment from God.

Here is the rebuke:

“If they didn't apply the element principle of the world / the law and say he is cursed… but accepted him

then why would they follow the element principles of the world / law after Paul left?”

Isn't the point of grace: freedom, no judgement based on how you look, or what you do, and what you wear?

So if they accepted Paul then ....why would all of a sudden they get all religious.

As says

Galatians 3:3 NKJV

3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

Gal 3:

Which leads us to the next point

Paul’s Rebuke: 5 points

Paul recounts when they first met and how they accepted him (v.12b-15)

4. Did things change and I am your enemy? (v.16)

So Paul calls them out and says … are you now too holy for me because you don’t look like me?

Are you now better than me because you think I am cursed by God?

Have I become your enemy?

Are you now better than me because you think I am cursed by God?

Have I become your enemy

Now you may think this is messed of the Galatians but things like this happen in churches all the time

People reject and speak against the teacher that brought them to Christ/help mature their relationship with God..

all Because the teacher/pastor they are under now is greater/better/smarter/wiser

We all need to be careful like the Galatians

People get saved at one church, and mature in their walk with God

Then often some years go

Then they start hearing of this other church and this new pastors teaching.

They think He is teaching deeper, and is more theological, more applicaple

Often this is a Calvinist teacher that without ever saying it is causes you to think you are better or smarter than other, especially your old pastor… that you happen to forget is the one that brought you to God and under that pastor you matured in your walk with God.

Its the exact same thing teachers will use wisdom, degrees, intellect to get you to listen to them…but the end result is your just more prideful

But then they start hearing of this other teacher that is so deep,

To not be devoted to the intelligence, wisdom, charisma, dynamic, of a man but devoted to the simple message of Jesus

That my pastor isnt that good, I dont get fed,

Paul was known to have a whiney voice, ugly eyes, crooked nose, and huntched back, and may have had a stuttering issue

In he says he is an unskilled speaker....

Do you think people would listen to him today?

Would he be the pastor everyone follows on instagram?

Would he be the pastor people attend the church too?

Many today are looking for someone dynamic, educated, easy to understand, clear

But that wasn't Paul, but was He anointed? you bet!

Many people follow gifted teachers, but we must seek out the anointed teacher.

Instead of comparing teachers abilities to present, communicate, and quotes.

These teachers/pastors will deceivingly get you more into following their church or themselves in the name of Jesus.

It is easy to be fooled by a gifted teachers charm

They will get you to be devoted to the work of their church, and he/she builds followers of himself

all in the name of Jesus and spiritual growth.

They get you in the name of Jesus and in spiritual growth get you to follow their church, or themselves

However Paul and the teachers we need to look for need to be anointed by God

that seeks to simply bring you closer to Jesus

and they may be rash, blunt, stuttering, whiney voiced, unpolished, unskilled, ugly people

but God has anointed them

So don’t seek out a pastor/teacher that is dynamic, charismatic, or easy to hear…

find someone that is constantly bringing you to Jesus and His word more then to himself or his church/movement

However Paul and the teachers we need to look for need to be anointed by God that seeks to simply bring you closer to Jesus and may be rash, blunt, imperfect, stuttering

Recently i discovered some messages from years ago that I loved! He was annointed! The teaching was just straight forward but also not professional he seemed like he was just talking to people and didn't care about his appearance.

so i searched him up to see what he is up to today…

Sadly you

and man he got really popular, really big,

and when i listened to his recent messages it became a lot about himself and his church,

- Well I was curious to see what he was up to today and I found out he got huge and his church has grown beyond its own city… but when I listen to the recent messages it was professional and seasoned and I dont want to speak against this pastor but Ill

now it still definitely had Jesus and spirituall growth as a big part of the message…

it wasn't the same from the previous messages when it was all about seeking Jesus. and bringing others to him.

He changed from focused on moving people to Jesus to... building a movement within his followers and church for Christ.

There is adifference… On only Jesus is elevated… in the other Jesus and the pastor are being elevated.

It taught me that a teacher can start anointed and sloppy but can become polished and gifted.

I rather be sloppy and annointed then polished and gifted…

Now I would prefer to be annointed polished, and gifted… and there are teachers that are

I think God sometimes uses these people for the same reason Jesus used parables....

We need to be very careful because the Galatians were favoring the gifted teachers over Paul.

and these gifted teachers were very convincing

and causing the people slowly to actually go against the simple basic message Paul taught them

I bet you the Galatians didn't even realize what was happening.

We need to be very careful of who we listen to

I am a pastor and teacher/ I listen to many pastors and teachers but I would only sit under just a couple.

5. Paul wishes he could be there to help them now because he has doubts (v.20)

Thats pretty clear right there.

Like Paul this is my concern for you

I am concerned that you will continue to try to rely on your righteousness / knowledge, and not live by the grace of God.

Paul gives 3 ways to fix this problem:

Problem fixed: 3 Practices

1. Paul says become like me which was how you once lived ( in freedom) (v.12a)

quit with the laws, the superstitions, the religion.

You didn't start all religious so you wont be perfect that way either.

Galatians 3:3 NKJV

3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

So 1. Just be free like how you once were when you first accepted Jesus.

I love new believers man

2. False teachers are trying to win favor and keep you from me (v.17-18)

False teachers use passion to make you think some actions (whether is about being a republican, keeping the sabbath day, makes you a more mature christian

False teacher will use knowledge to convince you that your more righteous

So the second way to solve the problem of becoming religious is

stop listening to people that are putting obligations into your relationship with God.

3. Christ fully developed. (v.19)

Christ fully developpled.

I love this so much .

Sounds important

Sounds important

How is Christ fully developed?

Howis Christ fully developped well baseed off this section we know it is not:

Well based off this section we know it is not:

by earning God’s love, or abiding by the law.

it is not by earning God’s love, or abiding by the law.

Which tells me its Spirit led.

Its daily with Jesus.

Its daily with Jesus.

Sound simple? thats grace!