Accountability, Bible, Choices, Devil, Listening, Obedience, Scripture

ARE YOU LISTENING?

GALATIANS 4:21

“Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the Law?”

Sometimes we get so excited about something that we forget to think about what we are doing. For example, buying a new car. When you go to that dealership and see all those beautiful, shiny cars, you lose all rational thought (lol). Sure, they can “put you in” one of those beauties today and you can drive it home. But part of that deal is you now have to pay the price – every month for years. You are a slave to that car loan.

Paul begins an analogy today that will last the rest of chapter 4. He is going to be comparing the sons born from Hagar and Sarah. The story will develop over the next several days. Bottom line – slavery and freedom. In today’s verse Paul asks the Galatians if they are really listening to what the law is requiring of them. The Greek word for “listen” is akouo, which means to hear to understand. Paul is asking them if they really listening to the requirements of the law, are they really going to sign on that dotted line.

APPLICATION

This applies to us so well. We “sign on” to the newest fads and trends without ever thinking about the long term results. All we need is Jesus. Jesus told us so in John 14:6. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” He wasn’t bragging or being egotistical. He was simply speaking the truth.

I love 2 Corinthians 5:17 because it shows us what we need. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” All that old stuff we clung to just goes away. We don’t have to lean on it. All we need is Jesus who has made us into a new creation. Don’t listen to the whispers of the evil one who wants to keep you in bondage.

What will you do with your freedom in Christ? How will you serve your new Master, one for whom you serve willingly? He is not a cruel taskmaster. No, He loves us and leads us. He never pushes us. And don’t let this freedom scare you. He’s there to walk you through it. He has a plan. Listen to Him.

O Lord, I want to tune my ears to hear only Your voice.

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Abiding, Bible, Confidence, Doubts, Freedom, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Salvation, Scripture

PERPLEXING BEHAVIOR

GALATIANS 4:20

“but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone of voice, for I am at a loss about you!”

We have all seen new believers who get saved and on fire for Jesus only to revert back to their old behaviors as soon as they move away or start hanging with their old crowd. Compare it to a drug addict who gets all cleaned up in rehab, makes vows or promises and then goes right back to the drugs as soon as they are out of rehab. That kind of behavior can make you raise some doubts as to their sobriety in the first place.

Perhaps I need to remind you that when Paul wrote this letter to the Galatians, he was not with them. He had invested much in them and now, since he has been gone, their behavior is perplexing to him. He is confused as to why they would have deserted the teachings he had given them on the Christ life just because he was no longer there. The phrase “to change my tone of voice” means Paul had much rather speak about them with confidence than doubting.

APPLICATION

The Greek word used for “I am at a loss” is aporeo. It means to be perplexed or in doubt. It is used over in 2 Corinthians 4:8. “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;”Now, let me quickly say that I don’t think Paul was doubting their salvation. He had seen the Holy Spirit work in their lives. Unlike during the Old Testament days when the Holy Spirit would enter and leave someone, in Christ, once the Holy Spirit has come into our lives through salvation, it remains.

However, we can refuse to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit and get into some awful pickles. In John 16:13-14 Jesus tells us why surrendering our will to the Spirit is so important. “13 ‘But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take from Mine and will disclose it to you.’”

Don’t you want to know what Jesus is trying to tell you? I sure do. Then we have to stop all this perplexing behavior and surrender to the Spirit. Before you make a decision or do anything, ask the Father in heaven. He will direct the Spirit to inform you. I believe that. Stop acting on your own whims. They usually fail us. He never will.

Father, I do not want to live a perplexing life. I want my life to be centered in Your will.

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Babies, Bible, Birth, Growth, Maturity, Scripture

BIRTH PAINS

GALATIANS 4:19

“My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you—”

I will never forget watching my wife give birth to our children. I was in the room with her for both. With our first, she had an epidural which blocked most of the pain. With our second there wasn’t time for that. Watching her in pain broke my heart but I knew it had to be done. She couldn’t keep that baby inside of her forever. I also knew she would soon forget that pain when she saw that baby and got to hold it. The birth pains were worth it.

Paul uses the analogy of giving birth to compare the pain he had endured in “giving birth” to these Galatians in the faith. Witnessing and discipling can be laborious tasks, even for those in full time ministry. But we should all have the same heart as Paul – it is worth it to see them grow into maturity in Christ. That is what is meant by “until Christ is formed in you.”

APPLICATION

Who are you “giving birth” to right now? Are you purposely pouring into a new believer? We all, as believers in Jesus, should share what He has taught us and given us. We need to labor as Paul did. 2 Timothy 2:2 is a verse we use quite often in our ministry. “And the things you heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” Multi-generational growth!

Whether you do that one-on-one or in a small group, start “giving birth” to those young believers, those who are brand new to the faith. They need your wisdom in how to apply God’s Word to their lives. Or maybe you are the one who needs someone laboring over them. Reach out to someone and ask them to mentor you. There are a lot of great tools out there for that.

Especially for you men out there – check out the curriculum we use in Every Man A Warrior (www.everymanawarrior.com). It is designed to take a small group of men through a three book course built just for men. It’s practical, relevant and life changing. We have thousands of men around the world who have seen their lives change and then had the opportunity to lead other men through the course – making disciple makers. Just labor for Jesus and see what He births through you.

I want to labor for You, Lord. Use me in the lives of other men to grow them spiritually.

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Abiding, Bible, Commitment, Dedication, Following, Obedience, Scripture, Surrender

WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY…

GALATIANS 4:18

“But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable way, and not only when I am present with you.” 

You’ve heard that expression – When the cat’s away, the mice will play. Some people will only do what is right when someone is watching them. As a former supervisor, I had some employees like that. They were model employees as long as I was observing. But the moment I was out of sight, they would stop doing what was expected of them.

Paul seems to be saying something like that to the Galatians. I love how Barnes explains this. He says Paul was saying this. “You were exceedingly zealous in a good cause when I was with you. You loved the truth; you loved me. Since I left you, and as soon almost as I was out of your sight, your zeal died away, and your ardent love for me was transferred to others. Allow me to remind you, that it would be well to be zealous of good when I am away, as well as when I am with you. There is not much true affection in that which dies away as soon as a man’s back is turned.”

APPLICATION

Does that describe you? Are you zealous only when you think God is watching? I hate to tell you, but He is always watching. There is never a moment He does not know where you are and what you are doing. That reminds me of Psalm 139. Look at verses 7 through 12. “7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. 9 If I take up the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will take hold of me. 11 If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night,’ 12 Even darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.”

Do you get the picture? God knows where you are. God knows what you’re doing. He expects us to love and obey because He loves us, not because He is standing over us and demanding it. Give Him honor today by your blind obedience to Him. Obey Him simply because you love Him. Just think of what He did because He loves you.

Father God, I want to be zealous for You at all times.

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Allies, Bible, Choices, Deceit, Division, Falsehoods, Guard, Isolation, Scripture

ISOLATE

GALATIANS 4:17

“They eagerly seek you, not in a commendable way, but they want to shut you out so that you will seek them.” 

Some people, in an effort to control you, will try to isolate you and shut you off from your friends and family. They will appear to have such compassion and care for you, but it is all part of their plans to have you to themselves. They will fill your mind with all kinds of platitudes. You will think they are your best friend. They can be very convincing.

In today’s verse, Paul is referring back to the people who were trying to put the Galatians back under the law. One term used to describe them is “Judaizers.” These people “eagerly” sought the Galatians. They wanted to “shut…out” the Galatians, isolate them so they could control them. They knew Paul stood in their way, so they were always trying to stir up discord about Paul and drive him out of town. Paul is warning the Galatians here about them.

APPLICATION

How does this verse apply to us today? Well, there are still a type of Judaizers among us. There are people who want to control how and what we think. There are plenty of modern day legalizers who want to force you to obey laws and commands which we have been freed from. Romans 8:1-2 says it clearly. “1 Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” 

When we learn to live in freedom, without any guilt from what others are saying we should and shouldn’t do, then we will experience true freedom in Christ. Later in this letter to the Galatians, Paul says this, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) “A yoke of slavery”! Who wants that? I sure don’t.

So, don’t let others tell you what you must do or not do in Christ. Go to the Word. It will instruct. Sure, we need good counsel and good teaching. But ultimately, you must discover your freedom in Jesus. Don’t get isolated by any one person or group. We need fellowship with other believers. Remember that Christ has set you free through His blood.

O Father, I thank You that I do not have to conform to a list of rules to show my love for You.

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Bible, Lies, Obedience, Responsibilities, Scripture, Truth

TELLING THE TRUTH

GALATIANS 4:16

“So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? 

As parents we often tell our children to just tell the truth. Why? Because we want them to grow up doing that. Sometimes when we tell the truth it can be hard to hear. We are told to in Ephesians 4:25, “Therefore, ridding yourselves of falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE OF YOU WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, because we are parts of one another.” (Those caps point back to Zechariah 8:16)

Paul has been telling the Galatians the truth about their actions. Remember back in chapter 2 of Galatians Paul spoke the truth to Peter and rebuked him. Truth is hard sometimes, but he had to be truthful. Even at the risk of Peter turning on him, he had to tell the truth. Paul told us later in Ephesians 4:15 to speak the truth in love. “but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ,” It’s all about being like Jesus, Who always spoke the truth because He is the Truth.

APPLICATION

In the ministry in which I serve, Every Man A Warrior, we have a commitment each man must sign in order to be a part of a group. #5 in the commitment states, “I will not be defensive if my brothers challenge me if I do not fulfill my commitment. I will welcome their challenge and seek greater faithfulness.” That is a big pill to swallow for a lot of guys. Some get mad, even though they signed the commitment.

Let me encourage you to speak the truth in love. Be gentle, but truthful. You may have to confront a fellow brother or sister’s sin. That’s hard. But we are told to bring our fellow believers back into fellowship and out of sin. Don’t be vengeful and try to find out stuff on people. That is not what Paul did. He saw the Galatians not living according to the teachings of Christ and confronted them.

Proverbs 27:5-6 says, “5 Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” I had much rather have a friend hurt me by telling me the truth than lie to me and wind up deeper in my sin. Hadn’t you? Is that easy to receive? No, it’s not, but it will draw us closer to our Savior. What will you do with this truth today?

O Lord, You are the Truth. Help me to live in truth daily.

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Bible, Compassion, Family, Giving, God's Will, Love, Sacrifice, Scripture

WHATEVER THE COST

GALATIANS 4:15

“Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I testify about you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.”

There are some people you would do anything for, right? I would literally lay down my life for my family. I would not hesitate. My family is that important to me. The question arises then – What would I be willing to do for a total stranger or even a friend? To be honest, I would probably think long and hard about my sacrifice for them. But what would Christ do? We know what He did – He died for them.

Paul, in today’s verse, is thanking the Galatians for their willingness to sacrifice for him. The expression “torn out your eyes” has been interpreted literally and figuratively. Some think this refers to an eye malady Paul suffered with since his conversion on the Damascus road (remember the scales that fell from his eyes after being struck blind). Others think Paul was just saying they would have given anything for him. Whatever is true, we know they were willing to give anything for Paul.

APPLICATION

We are told by Jesus Himself in John 15:13, “‘Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.’” Do you think Jesus meant for us to literally lay down our lives or to sacrifice for others? Personally, I believe the latter. We have to count our lives as nothing and be willing to give no matter the cost. That’s what He did and expects us to do.

Paul discusses this topic briefly in Romans 5:7-8. “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He admits that is hard for us to sacrifice for others, but God held nothing back.

During this Holy Week, reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus. His sacrifice for us was planned from the creation of the world – whatever the cost. God knew what it would take, and He gave it. We all probably know John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” He gave! Therefore, we should give. We should be willing to sacrifice. Be like the Galatians in this regard. Sacrifice today for someone in the name of Jesus.

O Lord, I lay down my life today for my fellow believers.

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Angels, Battles, Bible, Choices, Dependence, Disciplemaking, God's Will, Messages, Scripture, Witnessing

AN ANGEL OF GOD

GALATIANS 4:14

“and you did not despise that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition, nor express contempt, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.” 

Perhaps you have heard of an evangelist by the name of David Ring (davidring.org). David has cerebral palsy and often refers to it as he preaches. He is known to say, “I have cerebral palsy. What’s your problem?” Some people may be offended by David’s brazen portrayal of the Gospel. In fact, he has been arrested for street preaching against some immoral activity in businesses. But that does not deter David from sharing the message the Lord has given him.

Paul, undoubtedly, had a fairly serious malady while in Galatia. This verse hints at something that may have offended the Galatians. Perhaps his ailment was disfiguring in some way. Maybe an infection caused him to have a physical appearance which could cause some people to turn away. But he praises these Galatians for accepting him “as an angel of God, as Christ Himself.” Their acceptance of him in this condition obviously meant a lot to Paul.

APPLICATION

Okay, here is where the rubber meets the road. What excuse are you using for not sharing the Gospel? Carl, I’m too old. Carl, I’m too weak. Carl, I just too busy. We all have excuses, don’t we? Paul could have used his physical ailment as an excuse (and an understandable one) to take a break until he was better. Look how he describes this in 2 Corinthians 12:7. “Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!”

After asking the Lord to rid him of this “thorn in the flesh” and having that request refused, Paul says this later in that same chapter. “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” Can you say that about the excuse you are giving? Will you lay down your excuses and allow the Lord to use you just as you are?

God can use anyone anywhere at any time if they will only submit to His will. Ask the Lord today to show you His will for your life. Ask Him to give you His message to share with others. He will. He’s just waiting on you.

Father, take my weakness and make it strong with Your power and might.

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Abiding, Bible, Delays, Detours, God's Will, Purpose, Scripture

PROVIDENTIALLY DELAYED

GALATIANS 4:13

“but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time;” 

Have you ever been delayed on a trip? Most of the time these delays get us irritated. Why did MY plane have to have mechanical issues? What in the world is causing this traffic jam? We complain without knowing why God has allowed it. I believe everything that touches us goes through His hands first, don’t you? And if that is so, then these delays have been allowed by Him for a purpose.

Many scholars think Paul may have gotten sick which caused his stay there in Galatia to last longer than he intended. We can recall time after time in the book of Acts when God blocked Paul’s attempts to go somewhere, only to direct him where He wanted him to go. Perhaps this is a similar situation. For whatever reason, God wanted Paul to linger longer in Galatia to preach the Gospel and disciple these young believers.

APPLICATION

In Acts 16:6-10, we read about one of Paul’s delays or reroutes. “6 They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, after being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; 7 and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; 8 and passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and pleading with him, and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ 10 When he had seen the vision, we immediately sought to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”

Many believe this detour, this delay on Paul’s second missionary journey is what birthed the Gospel into what is now modern day Europe. I am a direct descendant of European settlers who came to America and brought the Gospel with them. Delays! Detours! The have a providential purpose. God does not waste His time just creating roadblocks for us.

The next time your plans are interrupted, ask the Lord what He wants you to learn. Look for God moments. There may be a person you are supposed to meet. There may be a place you are supposed to go instead. Stay alert and watch. I promise you God has a reason for your journey.

Lord, give me Your eyes to see the reason behind each Your “delays” in my life.

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Bible, Imitation, Influence, Relationships, Scripture, Witnessing

JUST LIKE ME

GALATIANS 4:12

“I beg of you, brothers and sisters, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong;” 

When I travel internationally, I intentionally try to embrace the foods and customs of where I am traveling. They eat differently than I do back home. They may take morning and afternoon tea breaks. They certainly dress different, and in some countries, they drive on the opposite side of the road. I have to become as they are. If they came to the U.S., they would have to adjust their way of living temporarily.

Similarly, Paul is explaining to the Gentile believers there in Galatia how he had become like them, giving up the keeping of the Mosaic law. He had become like them. So, he implores them to become like him. “Imitate me,” he says. Paul tells them to do as he is doing, not like those who are trying to put them back under the Law. They are free in Jesus now. There is no need to follow the Mosaic law anymore.

APPLICATION

In I Corinthians 9:19-22, Paul explains this idea more fully. “19 For though I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may gain more. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might gain Jews; to those who are under the Law, I became as one under the Law, though not being under the Law myself, so that I might gain those who are under the Law; 21 to those who are without the Law, I became as one without the Law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might gain those who are without the Law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak; I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some.”

Now, that was a long passage, but I wanted to share it to show you how Paul did it. We can do the same. Paul became like others, without embracing any sinful lifestyle, to reach them for Christ. Who can you reach that way? Is there a certain group of people you can “become like” to reach? Jesus never expects us to lower His bar of holiness, but He does expect us to lower ourselves in humility. There’s a difference.

This week look around you and ask the Lord who you could “be like” in order to win them to Christ. I am sure there is someone in your sphere of influence whom you could come alongside to lead them toward a saving knowledge of Christ. And be like Paul – don’t be offended by them. Love them like Jesus does.

Some people are hard to love, Lord. Love them through me.

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