7/24 - Galatians 4

It went well today. Thank you for your Prayers Jeff.

There is always a litmus test to the teachings. Hold up what you are being told to the truth of the scripture and open yourself to the Holy Spirit. I found as well that seeking Godly counsel is always a good way to bounce something that that you are hearing or perceiving to be from God.

Paul talks about Freedom, but Freedom comes with responsibility. I see that responsibility coming in the form of seeking God and listening to the holy spirit. You know, holding the light of truth to what you are told.

Galatains 4 verse 8-9 wrote: 8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

I am a little amazed at how repetitive Paul is in this passage. It's like he makes his point, then makes it again, and again. I think he's really trying to drive home the message that we have been set free from the law through Christ and not only is it futile to continue to live under the law but it is reprehensible.

God is pointing me to verses 8-9. To break free of my "weak and miserable principles" that I have lived by and to follow him through faith. As with any bad habit, these are self appointed values that I unconsciously turn to throughout the day. I will make a point to pray that God will give me the foresight to see these as they arise and combat them head on.

I was reminded again through vs. 17-18 how important it is to, as I John 4:1 puts it, "believe not every spirit, but test the spirits whether they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world". In vs.17 Paul points out that those men who are talking about circumcision do so very zealoulsly. I'm sure they are very persuasive. However, don't believe them because their wrong. Yes, it is good to be zealous but only for that which is good and right and true. This tells me that I must guard what is being told to me by those I've subjected myself under their leadership. Having just come out of a particular church we didn't realize for a little while the subtle influence of the preaching that affected us negatively. 2 Tim 2:15 says to study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Galatians 4

1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Paul's Concern for the Galatians
8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.

12I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. 13As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

17Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. 18It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. 19My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!
Hagar and Sarah
21Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23His son by the slave woman was born in the ordinary way; but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a promise.

24These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. 25Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. 26But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother. 27For it is written:
"Be glad, O barren woman,
who bears no children;
break forth and cry aloud,
you who have no labor pains;
because more are the children of the desolate woman
than of her who has a husband."

28Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29At that time the son born in the ordinary way persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. 30But what does the Scripture say? "Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son." 31Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.