[Galatians 4, Proverbs 10]

H – Galatians 4:8–9, “[8] Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. [9] But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?”

E – Don’t Turn Back!

These Gentile Galatians had heard the Gospel. It was apparent that they had verbally believed in the Gospel. There was even evidence that their belief in Christ lead to turning away from Idolatry to the True God. 

Yet, they are once again in danger of slavery. The slavery that the Galatians are in danger of embracing again is not just a matter of forfeiting sonship but of abandoning the true God. They would be returning to false gods (v. 8), to worldly principles and structures (v. 9–10). It would be as if they had never even heard the gospel from Paul (v. 11). For these Gentile Galatian Christians, turning back to the Jewish law would be like returning to their paganism.

Why would they do that? 

Paul was perplexed and anguished by what he had heard from these believers (v. 19-20). So, Paul reminded them of their former life. Paul reminded them of their life in Christ (v. 4-7). And, Paul was passionately bold to remind them of the truth (v.16). 

His reminder: Live in Freedom and continually turn to God. Don’t Turn Back!

A – When my Spirit doesn’t cry out, Abba! Father!, I should have concern. I must remain in the His truth, clinging to His truth, and be changed by His Truth. I’m no longer a slave. I am an adopted, joint heir, through King Jesus. I know him and his love for me. I know who I use to be and I know who I am now. I am not the same. Therefore, I do not turn back. I remain obedient. 

R – Lord God, thank you for rescuing me. Lord, I do not want to get over it. Help me to live each day in surrendered obedience to you. Lord, I praise you for rescuing me from slavery. I do not want to go back. Help me to fix my eyes on you, the Author and Perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). I pray I will experience and know your freedom today. 

In Jesus Name!