… and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn.
Summary: Paul gives us some insight into his relationship with the Galatians.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:14a – Vulnerability”Galatians 4:13 – All Things
As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you,
Summary: Why did God allow Paul to get sick? It is a question worth asking, and the answer might lead us to a deeper relationship with God.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:13 – All Things”Galatians 4:12 – Spiritual Chameleon
I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong.
Summary: Paul strives to be “all things to all people” to serve the Lord by winning people over to him.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:12 – Spiritual Chameleon”Galatians 4:11 – What Does Jesus Think?
I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
Summary: Paul has invested a significant portion of his life in establishing the churches in Galatia. After he left, others came in and confused the believers with false teachings. In this passage Paul expresses his fear that the damage might be irreversible.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:11 – What Does Jesus Think?”Galatians 4:9b-10 – The Broken Shell
—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!
Summary: In this passage we gain greater insight into the threat to the Galatians’ faith that had Paul so worried.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:9b-10 – The Broken Shell”Galatians 4:9a – God’s Hammer
But now that you know God —or rather are known by God …
Summary: Being known by God is an experience no false god can ever provide. The real God is really personal, and he knows you extremely well.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:9a – God’s Hammer”Galatians 4:8 – A Feeling of Power
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.
Summary: Paul points out the distractions caused by false gods. More than just a distraction, such “gods” become our masters.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:8 – A Feeling of Power”Galatians 4:7 – Loved
So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
Summary: Paul is making a very important point. Whether we know it or not, we need to be part of God’s family. Paul helps us understand why that is important.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:7 – Loved”Galatians 4:6b – Daddy
… the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
Summary: Paul keeps working at his metaphor, adding layers of detail that help us understand how deep the Father’s love for us is.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:6b – Daddy”Galatians 4:6a – The Spirit of His Son
Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts …
Summary: In this passage, Paul gives us a different twist on what it means to have God’s Spirit in us.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:6a – The Spirit of His Son”