Galatains: 4:12 to 20

Galatians 4:12–20 ESV

12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Introduction:

Relationships can go south!

I remember when I was a kid my uncle Tim was eating a large bowl of ice cream. I ask him for some and he went into the refrigerator and got me a spoon full of mayonnaise. Let me say that left a bad taste in my mouth.

When sent Jen out way across the street. As soon as she got way over there we didn’t through her the ball we went inside. By the time she got in she was fuming.

We must model the gospel for a watching world.

Galatians 4:12 (ESV)

12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong.

Without mentors who show us what it means to follow Christ in the rough-and-tumble of our contemporary world, imitation of Christ often seems and otherworldly, unattainable ideal.

Paul emphasized training in his discipling process.

There is no substitute for the incarnational reflection of Christ in our lives.

We must tell them about Christ.

We must show them Christ.

The gospel is not only something we say but something we show.

The gospel is often advanced though difficulty.

Galatians 4:13 (ESV)

13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first,

Remember that it was on the first missionary journey that Paul and Barnabas brought the gospel to the region of Galatia.

Map of first missionary journey

Acts 13:13–15 ESV

13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.”

When you suffer trust the sovereignty of God.

Wrong Question!

Why is this happening to me.

Ask the right question question!

What is God doing?

Guard against those who use their influence to sour the church’s relationship with her leadership.