Galatians 4:11–20 - 11 I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain. 12 I beg of you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong; 13 but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; 14 and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself. 15 Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them. 18 But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you— 20 but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Paul pleads with the Galatian believers to follow his example and passion for knowing Christ above all else (v. 12). He reminds them that when he first preached the gospel to them, despite his illness, they welcomed him wholeheartedly (vv. 13-15). Paul expresses his ongoing concern for them by asking if his truth telling has now made him somehow become their enemy as they seem to embrace the false teachings of the Judaizers (vv. 16-17). Yet he works diligently on their behalf until all trace of false doctrine is erased and only Christ remains (vv. 18-20).
How can I apply Galatians 4:12-20 to my life?
Paul challenges the Galatians to examine the foundations of their faith - matters of spiritual devotion, Christian community, and clinging to gospel truth. And his timely message compels us to do the same. In a culture increasingly hostile to biblical principles, we too need anchors for our souls that foster enduring commitment to God. Anchors that steady us to follow hard after Jesus no matter who stands or falls away. Anchors that hold us fast when questions, trials, or persecution come. Anchors forged in the unshakable truth of God's Word and the unbreakable bonds of godly fellowship. Here are some basic principles from this passage we should apply to our lives:
1. Imitate the Example of Other Faithful Believers in Their Devotion to Christ (v. 12): When we encounter fellow Christians who walk closely with Jesus, we should take notice and seek to emulate their commitment. Paul's call to the Galatians underscores this - he longed for them to follow his sacrificial pattern of pursuing Christ above all else. Maturing believers can model for us firsthand what prioritizing God's kingdom looks like when lived out amidst the demands of real life. Their devotion reaches beyond Sunday mornings into Monday workdays and flows into all areas of existence. By observing these faithful friends, we catch a glimpse of what wholehearted surrender to the Lordship of Christ practically entails. Their living examples help us to evaluate the compartments of our own hearts. Does Jesus occupy every room, or have we created areas labeled "off limits"? It is good for us to prayerfully examine if there are parts of our lives not fully surrendered to following God's ways. And as we identify those aspects, we can draw encouragement and wisdom from mature Christians who have developed patters of dealing with sin and building up holy habits. Their transparent struggles and hard-won spiritual gains testify to the power of Christ at work in weak vessels. As iron sharpens iron, so too we can be sharpened by their exemplary devotion as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith (1 Corinthians 11:1; Hebrews 12:1-3; Proverbs 27:17).
Food for Thought: What specific areas of your life need re-aligning to God's ways? Ask the Spirit to search your heart and show you. Who is a faithful believer you know that models surrendered devotion to Christ? Reach out and ask them to share their journey.
2. Welcome the Blessing of Godly Relationships (vv. 13-15): When we open our lives to fellow Christians, wonderful Kingdom connections can grow through that fellowship. Paul's first visit to the Galatians illustrates this beautifully. Though initially an outsider, the apostle was warmly welcomed. Despite illness, he preached the gospel message to them with joy. And though they had no obligation, the Galatians lovingly cared for Paul during that trying season. Together, they tasted the blessing of authentic godly relationship. As Christ-followers today, we must steward the Christian friendships God brings across our path. Are we eager to receive fellow believers in hospitality? Do we make space to minister to struggling members of our spiritual family? Or are we so insulated and independent that we isolate ourselves from the very relationships Jesus intends to use in our growth? Kingdom community always flows two ways. There are times when we have the privilege of serving and adding value to another's life. But there are also seasons when God allows needs in our own lives so that others can serve and encourage us. Both require humble vulnerability before God and each other. But both bring the blessings of godly fellowship. By opening our hearts and homes, we create room for the strengthening bonds of affection that help us point one another to Christ (Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:10; Galatians 6:2).
Food for Thought: What fears or control issues might keep you from welcoming other believers into your life? Confess these to the Lord. Who is a fellow Christian you sense the Lord prompting you to pursue relationship with? Reach out to them.
3. Cling to the Truth of Salvation by Grace Through Faith Alone (vv. 16-20): When after starting with faith in Christ alone, the Galatian believers began reverting to dependence on Old Testament law for salvation, Paul was alarmed. False teachers had infiltrated the church, insisting human effort was required to earn righteousness before God. By pressuring the Galatians to adopt rule-keeping religious rituals, these leaders drew disciples after themselves, seducing the flock away from pure gospel truth. Paul confronted this dangerous false doctrine head-on, unwilling to allow the addition of human achievements to the completed saving work of Christ. As defenders of the faith today, we too must contend for the exclusivity of salvation by grace alone through faith alone. Scripture leaves no room for mixing in personal merit. When exposed to any teaching requiring human effort as necessary for justification, we must stand firm like Paul. And we must care lovingly for those wavering under the influence of such spiritual slavery. God's undeserved favor in Christ sets souls free into the full rights of sons and daughters. May we too labor in gospel ministry, gentle with the sheep yet bold against the wolves (Acts 15:1-11; Romans 11:6; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4).
Food for Thought: Does your life reflect freedom from working to earn salvation or do you functionally believe your efforts merit God's grace? Who do you know that seems to be reverting from gospel freedom back into religious rule-keeping? Gently guide them back to the truth of salvation by grace alone through faith alone.
As we walk the road of following Jesus, it’s easy to lose perspective and drift from foundational truths that should define our journey. We can wander into spiritual complacency, relational isolation, or doctrinal compromise. That’s why Paul’s challenge to the Galatians resonates so deeply today. He calls us back to essentials by re-examining our devotion, community, and doctrine in light of Scripture. When we realign to godly patterns and principles, we rediscover the anchored life Christ intends for us to live. Our passion for Him is rekindled, Christian bonds strengthened, and commitment to the true gospel renewed. May this passage challenge us to renew our devotion to Christ by imitating faithful believers, welcoming godly fellowship, and clinging to salvation by grace alone.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would give me eyes to see any areas of spiritual drift in my walk with You. Reveal patterns of devotion diminishing rather than deepening so that I may repent and realign my heart to pursue You alone. Guard me from subtly replacing rich fellowship in Christ with empty religion. Convict me whenever I add human striving to the finished work of salvation by grace. Help me cling to the promises purchased through Your Son's sacrifice. I pray You would also surround me with godly Christian friends committed to following You wholeheartedly in every area of life. May their example and encouragement sharpen me to fix my eyes all the more upon Jesus. And may their fellowship nourish my soul with the nourishment You intended Your children to receive through Your body.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Galatians 4:12 – “I beg of you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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