The Book Of Galatians Chapter 4 Part 2

All spiritual blessings come from God when we by faith are in Christ.

Galatians 4:4-7  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5)  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6)  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7)  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 

The Spirit of God used the apostle Paul to reject false teaching of Judaizers.

Paul demonstrated how the promises of God were given to Abraham 400 years before God gave Israel the law.

Thus, it is not possible that salvation through repentant faith in Jesus Christ comes by the law. 

The law is a schoolmaster, functioning like a tutor or governor. It condemns sinners of their sins and places restrictions on them because all have sinned and fall short of God's glory.

God's promises through Abraham are unaffected by the law of Moses. 

The law does not bring the promise of God's Spirit. 

The law cannot make a repentant sinner into a child of God. 

The law has no way for a sinner to be fully adopted into the family of God by the Father. 

The law cannot save anyone because it is designed to point people to our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

However, the gospel of Christ which is salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, brings a repentant sinner to full sonship with God.

All God's wonderful promises are received by faith and are not supplemented by or aided by the works of the law.

Thus, Paul shows how the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world at the right moment to fulfill all the strands of prophecy connected with Messiah.

Gentiles in Galatia were idolaters before hearing the gospel of Christ.

Galatians 4:8  Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 

It is evident from Paul's letter to Galatian churches, that there were many Jews who converted to Christ when they heard the gospel preached.

This is why the Judaizers were able to gain a strong foothold over the minds of Jewish converts to Christ.

However, this text also demonstrates that there were new Christians who used to be pagan idolaters.

Prior to hearing the gospel of Christ, Gentiles in Galatia had no true knowledge of God. 

They did not have the Spirit inspired scriptures that God gave us through the Jewish people.

Pagans ignored the clear witness of creation regarding God.

Romans 1:18-21  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19)  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20)  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21)  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 

Gentiles had some light about God through creation and nature, though they did not know who He was. 

The orderliness and seasonal rhythms of creation testify that God created all things and is powerful enough to govern all things. 

Invisible things of God in creation such as laws of motion, laws of physics and laws of thermodynamics, prove beyond any doubt that He exists and governs the universe.

Creation's witness testifies of God to all people in all places at all times.

Psalm 19:1-3   The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2)  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3)  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 

A clear witness of God through created things goes throughout the whole world. 

Heaven above shows His glory and the firmament declares His mighty works. 

Cycles of time such as seconds, minutes, hours, days weeks, months, and years vividly teach all men about God.

They had some understanding about sin because God gives everyone a conscience that convicts us of wrongdoing when we sin (See Romans 2:12-16).

Instead of seeking the One, True Living God who made all things and gives life to all, Gentiles worshiped men by deifying them. 

Pharaohs and Caesars alike were worshiped as "gods" even though they all died.

Many Gentiles changed the truth of God into a lie and worshiped creatures rather than God the Creator (See Romans 1:18-31).

Gentiles literally became slaves to their idols. 

Gentiles or pagans had minds and hearts darkened by sin's corruption.

Ephesians 4:17-19  This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18)  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19)  Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 

They worshiped idols that they made with their own hands from common materials like stone, clay, or metal.

They sacrificed their own children to idols. 

They committed sexual perversion in the name of idols.

Pagans pursued that which was empty, foolish and driven by fleshly lusts.

Their minds were blinded by sin's darkness so that they could not see the glory of God.

Ephesians 5:1-6  Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2)  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3)  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4)  Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5)  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6)  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 

God has clear direction for the life of each Christian. Gentile Christians in Galatia were not to walk in sin because God rescued them from idolatry to serve Him.

Thus, we are told explicitly do not do these things, do not walk like other gentiles walk in the vanity of their sin darkened minds. 

Thus, Gentile Christians in Galatia used to pay homage to idols, worshipping and performing various rituals and ceremonies. 

It is a wonderful testimony of God's grace that such idolaters should become the sons of God.

The law is an inferior substitute for the gospel of Christ and grace of God.

Galatians 4:9  But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 

After hearing and responding to the gospel of Christ, they received a right knowledge of God in Christ. 

They knew Him as their covenant God and Father, through the preaching of the Gospel. 

God caused glorious light of divine grace; to shine in their dark hearts to give them the light of the knowledge of Himself in the face of Christ (See 2 Corinthians 4:1-6).

God sent down into their hearts the Spirit of his Son, crying "Abba", Father. 

He accepted them as fully adopted children of God. He confers the richest blessings upon each believer in Christ. 

Paul raised a question. "Because all these things I have written to you are true, why would you turn away from truth to the law which cannot save, cannot bring you to the promised salvation of God?"

After receiving all this, it makes no sense to turn again to the ineffectual Mosaic law. The law is too weak to counteract our sinful habits, and too poor to purchase pardon and eternal life for anyone. 

If the Galatians were turning again to them, it is evident that they had been once addicted to the rituals and ceremonies of the law. 

Even Gentiles saved out of idolatry saw some similarities between pagan ritual and ceremony in Judaism. 

It is evident that some Jews and Gentiles in the Galatians churches had turned away from gospel truth to embrace false teaching.

Galatians lapsed into law keeping instead of keeping Christ's commands.

Galatians 4:10  Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 

By "days" Paul refers to the Jewish sabbaths which are distinct from months and years. 

The sabbath day was specific to Israelites, and not binding on others. 

Sabbath days foreshadowed Christ, the true rest of His people. Since they were fulfilled by Jesus Christ they are now ceased.

By "months" refers to the Jewish calendar and new moons or the beginning of their months upon the appearance of a new moon. 

These were observed by blowing trumpets, offering sacrifices, hearing the word of God, abstaining from work, and holding religious feasts. 

These observances foreshadowed Divine light, knowledge, and grace the church receives from Christ, the Son of righteousness. 

Jesus Christ being the fulfillment and substance of them, the shadows disappeared.

By "times" Paul speaks of the three times yearly when Jewish males appeared before the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the feasts of tabernacles, passover, and Pentecost. 

Since Jesus Christ came and returned to His Father, there is no need of continued observance.

The feast of tabernacles is no longer needed since the Word was made flesh, and tabernacled among us (See John 1:14).

The feast of Passover cannot be observed because  Christ, our passover, is sacrificed for us (See 1 Corinthians 5:7).

The feast of Pentecost is no longer observed because the Spirit of God was poured out in a plenteous manner on that day upon the apostles when the church was birthed (See Acts 2).

Paul had concern over the spiritual state of the Galatian Christians.

Galatians 4:11  I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. 

These words of Paul shows the danger the Galatians were in. 

They had taken large steps away from Christianity toward Judaism, so much so that Paul feared his preaching and ministry among them was in vain.

1 John 2:3-6  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4)  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5)  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6)  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 

This reminds us that there always are those who profess faith in Christ, but do not live by His commandments (See Matthew 28:18-20).

John tells us the mark of a truly born again man or woman or young person is by keeping Christ's commandments. 

If we claim faith in Christ but we do not live according to His teaching then our profession of faith is false, not real.

Those who claim to know Christ are taught to walk as Jesus walked and this is the litmus test from God about our profession of faith.

Paul had a godly jealousy for them and sought to bring them back into a right standing with God. 

We will see an invitation from God through Paul extended to the Galatians who strayed from His truth.

God always seeks us when we wander away from Him. 

He is like the father of the prodigal son who constantly watched the horizon waiting for his wayward child to return.  See  Luke 15:11-31). 

May we examine our own hearts to make sure we are living by Christ's commandments.

May we seek to draw close to God while we have the opportunity to do so.

May we ask our Father to renew our minds with His Word, strengthen our faith with His Spirit and grant us fresh zeal to serve Him.

Bob