"Until Christ is Formed in You!"

Martin Luther - “These words breath Paul’s own tears.”

I. Paul’s Appeal to the Galatians - (4:12)

1. “…Become as I am”

Acts 26:28–29 CSB

Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?” “I wish before God,” replied Paul, “that whether easily or with difficulty, not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am—except for these chains.”

2. “…for I also have become as you are.”

1 Corinthians 9:19–23 CSB

Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law. To those who are without the law, like one without the law—though I am not without God’s law but under the law of Christ—to win those without the law. To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, so that I may share in the blessings.

John 17:15–18 CSB

I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

II. Paul’s Remembrance of the Galatians - 4:12c-14)

1. He only preached to them because of an illness! - (v.13)

2. Instead of rejection, they extended a warm welcome! - (v.14)

III. Paul’s Questions to the Galatians - (4:15-16)

1. (v.15a) - “Where, then, is your blessing?”

2. (v.16) - “…have I become your enemy because I told you the truth?”

2 Timothy 4:1–5 CSB

I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and because of his appearing and his kingdom: Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

IV. Paul’s Warning to the Galatians - (4:17-18)

1. Their Methodology - (v.17a) - “They court you...”

2. Their Motives - (v.17b) - “…so that you would pursue them.”

V. Paul’s Desire for the Galatians - (4:19-20)

1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 CSB

Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children. We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

Romans 8:29 CSB

For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Romans 12:2 CSB

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Conclusion

The People’s Attitude to the Pastor!

The Pastor’s Attitude to the Congregation!