Elements
Gal 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
An heir - even an heir to a royal throne - has no particular power as a child, even though they have great position and responsibility; the heir is under the strict care of guardians and teachers.
Gal 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Gal 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
The law was our guardian (3:24-25), to watch over us while we are still "children"; the law's effect on our corrupt nature was to bring us into bondage under the elements of the world; the basic things of survival as a person. It is the principle of cause and effect. Call it "you get what you deserve," or whatever; it rules nature and the minds of men. We live under the idea that we get what we deserve; when we are good, we deserve good; when we are bad, we deserve bad. We reap what we sow.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Paul is telling the Galatians to go beyond the customs and expectations of men, into an understanding of God's grace. Grace contradicts this because under grace God does not deal with us on the basis of what we deserve. It is Jesus who purchased our grace. Our good cannot justify us under grace; our bad need not condemn us. God's blessing and favor is given on a principle completely apart from the "rules and laws of the world." His blessing and favor is given because He chose Jesus to bring us grace, it has nothing to do with us.
We are children of the King, God being our father. Yet our bodies are natural and subject to natural laws. We do not do things to put our bodies in danger. We have not yet our new glorified bodies, so we are still subject to the physical world. Yet in the Spirit we are with Christ Jesus in heavenly places. Put off the old man and put on the new man in newness of life. Learn to walk as children of the King, not by laws of necessity, but from a heart knowing its place, as an heir of God.
Fulness of Time
Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
God sent forth - From his own bosom, His Son, miraculously made of the substance of a woman - A virgin, without the concurrence of a man. Made under the law - Both under the precept, and under the curse, of it.
"It was a time when the pax Romana (Peace of Rome) extended over most of the civilized earth and when travel and commerce were therefore possible in a way that had formerly been impossible. Great roads linked the empire of the Caesars, and its diverse regions were linked far more significantly by the all-pervasive language of the Greeks. Add the fact that the world was sunk in a moral abyss so low that even the pagan cried out against it and that spiritual hunger was everywhere evident, and one has a perfect time for the coming of Christ and for the early expansion of the Christian gospel." (Boice)
The time was also right because the 483 years prophesied by Daniel were drawing to a close (Daniel 9:24-26)
Gal 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Jesus came to redeem (buy back) those who were under the law - from the curse of it; the picture is of being purchased out of the slave market (our bondage) Not only are we purchased out of the slave market; we are then elevated to the place of sons and daughters of God by adoption!
There is a sense in which this is a totally unnecessary blessing which God has given in the course of salvation, and a demonstration of His true and deep love for us. We can picture someone helping or saving someone, but not going so far as to make them a part of the family - but this is what God has done for us. We are adopted heirs of God. What a rich blessing is ours; from slaves to princes and princesses in the Kingdom of God; saved from a life of emptiness to receive the fullness of Christ's blessings and riches. Try to realize what this means! Don't receive satan’s lies and condemnation, you are royalty, of God's own beloved family. I love my family, God loves you more then you can imagine. He sent his Son in the fullness of time to buy you; you are chosen and bought with a great price.
Abba
At a local fair photography exhibition, one picture caught my eye; it was of a young girl running with open arms into the arms of her daddy. As a dad that was precious to me, but if we think about this, our Father God also wishes to receive us like this. We may call out to him as our daddy, running into his outstretched loving arms, a place of great comfort and safety.
Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Those of us who are in fact sons have the Spirit of the Son in their hearts; which enables us to cry out (with Jesus) "Daddy!" to God our Father.
Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
Think of this, God's own son came suffering shame and death on the cross, so that a new people may call on his father too. Many receive the adoption into the family of God calling out to "Abba", daddy, father, because Jesus took the cup his Father gave him. Through the obedience of one, Jesus, many are made righteous. (Rom 5:19) There is no fear in our new spirit.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
We are released from slavery, made sons of God, the Spirit of Jesus in our hearts, and our being heirs of God are all birthrights given to us in Jesus; these are things we should be living in and enjoying every day of our Christian life. Thank you precious Jesus, and thank you our wonderful dad in heaven, Abba Father Praise you for your great gift of grace. We are forgiven and adopted. He really loves us!
Observing Days
Gal 4:8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
The bondage is natural when we did not know God and when we served those things that are not of God; but why would someone who knows the true God, and has been set free, return under bondage? This is what the Galatians were doing!
Gal 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?
Paul makes an important point when he says or rather are known of God; it is really most important that God knows us (in the sense of an intimate, accepting relationship) Remember the terrible words of judgment in Matthew 7:21-23: " I never knew you: depart from me,"?
Gal 4:10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
Gal 4:11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
These elements of the world are weak because they offer no strength; they are beggarly because they bestow no riches. The false teachers coming to the Galatians and demanding the observing of days and months and seasons and years and other such legalistic matters acted as if this would lead them into a higher plane of spirituality; all these weak and beggarly elements of legalism can do is bring us into bondage. Paul's fear is that this attraction to legalism will mean that his work among the Galatians will end up being in vain. .
Labored is literally "to labor to the point of exhaustion"; Paul never thought that his gospel of free grace meant laziness in serving God. No, to serve God and produce fruit requires effort, overcoming the flesh, but the work is that of the Holy Spirit.
Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psa 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Be As I Am
We should all say as Paul to those seeking truth, be as I am. Our lives should be the light to lead others from darkness and bondage to the true light; Jesus.
John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Gal 4:12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
Paul is a worthy example of consistency with the same gospel through the years and the character of the fruit of the spirit. He does not go back to before salvation, that way of life is forgiven and removed.
Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Phil 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
Phil 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Phil 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Phil 3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Phil 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
The Apostle Peter spoke about following that which is good.
1 Pet 3:13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
1 Pet 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
1 Pet 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1 Pet 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Paul can also say for I am as you are; he has experienced the same pressures drawing him to legalism that the Galatians were succumbing to.
Phil 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Phil 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Phil 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Phil 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Phil 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Phil 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Phil 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Phil 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Righteousness is not of outward observances, but of a heart trusting and dwelling in Christ Jesus. Do not let others put you into bondage to outward rules, rather be followers of Christ making disciples of Christ so that others may follow you into eternal life.
In Weakness
Gal 4:13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
2 Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
The messenger of Satan could have been the Jews who opposed him, it is not sure what it was. Ideas range from sickness; malaria to spiritual persecution. A lesson for us is, no matter what comes against us we can preach the gospel and the power is of God, not of us.
2 Cor 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2 Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Gal 4:14 And my temptation (trial) which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel (messenger) of God, even as Christ Jesus.
His trial in the flesh was not enough to prevent the power of the gospel message to do its work.
1 Cor 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
1 Cor 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
Gal 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
Paul was not a great example of strength and power because of his physical infirmity; the Galatians still received him, although he was not polished and comely as some preachers appear in the flesh.
2 Cor 10:10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
He was received honorably by the Galatians even to the extent that they would have plucked out [their] own eyes if that could somehow meet his need. This leads some to believe that Paul's physical ailment had something to do with his eyes. Paul points out that he has written this last part with large letters; perhaps because he had poor eyesight and could not read or write small print.
Gal 6:11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!
Gal 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
No, whoever speaks God's truth is your friend.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Paul is still our example and encouragement. I think the scriptures are not clear as to the specific infirmities. Yet we see that Paul still accomplished a great work for God by faithfully preaching the word of God. We too can preach the gospel with power, regardless of infirmities of the flesh or of opposition from those of another spirit. Go forth, Jesus is your power. We are soldiers in battle, strong in spirit and in faith. We need not be a movie star personality, remember the worth is in the message, not the messenger.
Zealous
Gal 4:17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
Zealous; eagerness and enthusiasm to pursue something
Legalism often reveals itself by its partisan, sectarian spirit; these legalists who were troubling the Galatians wanted actually to exclude the Galatians from other Christians, and to bring them into their own "super-spiritual" way. The zeal desired by the legalists is often more a zeal for the group itself than for Jesus Christ; though Jesus is named, the group is exalted as the main focus usually as the last refuge of the "super-Christians"
Exclude is literally "lock you up"; for now, the legalists are courting the Galatians, but once they have alienated them from Jesus and from Paul, the legalists will demand that the Galatians serve them - legalism is almost always associated with ecclesiastical bondage. These were Jews who demanded of the Gentiles that they perform ceremonies and traditions as the Jews. The same thing goes on with the Jehovah Witness and Mormon groups. Beware of any so-called faith that adds to the Bible's truth, certain duties and obligations; and, for sure shun their publications and false Bibles.
Gal 4:18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
It is good to be zealous for good works in the Lord.
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
1 Cor 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
Paul at one time was a zealous Jew, opposing the Church.
Gal 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Follow Jesus, and God's word, not a false way. Do not let others impose their traditions and beliefs on you. Search the scriptures for God's truth. Repent from sin and receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit of truth. Then you will know the way.
Salvation in Doubt
Gal 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
Paul was a busy Apostle, but he must pause to correct the Galatians who are being told to be as Jews in order to follow Christ. Paul was as a spiritual father. Nothing is more upsetting then children who do not listen, nor do they receive the truth.
Gal 4:20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
Their behavior has caused Paul to doubt. The mark of a conversion is a strong desire for the word of truth. If the "saved" one is overcome by false teachers or seducing spirits, it is cause for concern.
2 Pet 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 Pet 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
2 Pet 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
2 Tim 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
2 Tim 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Tim 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
In the end, we must be responsible for our own choices. You can give lip service to another, leaning on him, but if you fall when he is not present are you really saved?
Phil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Phil 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Obey God.
Bound or Free?
Gal 4:21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
There is the obedience of the law and there is the walk of faith for grace. Under the system of the law we earn God's favor and blessing through our obedience to His laws and no man can keep them all, so the law condemns us. Under the system of grace, we receive God's favor and blessing as a free gift received by faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gal 4:22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
The Jewish legalists who were troubling the Galatians protested that they were children of Abraham, and thus blessed - Paul will admit they are children of Abraham, but they are like Ishmael, not Isaac! John the Baptist had something to say of this:
Mat 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Gal 4:23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
The legalists claimed Abraham as their father; Paul wants to know who their mother was - Hagar or Sarah? Ishmael was born of a slave, and born according to the flesh; Isaac was born of a freewoman, and born according to promise.
Are you the son of a slave, Hagar, in bondage to the law? Worse yet, are you a son, created in God's image following satan, rebelling against God and His laws? Or are you the son of Sarah, a freewoman, living by faith in the promises? Remember Abraham was given the promise of a son in which a great nation would arise. When it did not happen, Sarah took matters into her own hands and gave to him her bondslave, Hagar. Ishmael was born after the will of man and the flesh, He would be the father of the Arab nations who would oppose the Spiritual son who came later after the promise of God, by faith. Isaac was the Son of Abraham after faith in the promises of God. He was the beginning of the Jewish nation. The Arabs and Jews would always be in conflict. But who are the true Jews? They are those of faith in the promises and not those under bondage to laws. (Gen 16 and 17 )
As Ishmael and Isaac are symbolic of the flesh walk and the Spirit walk, we too fight the flesh against the Spirit. Paul speaks of this battle. The flesh and satan, oppose the things of the Spirit and God.
Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
We are victorious walking in the Spirit by faith, receiving grace and a place in God's Kingdom forever, amen
Two Covenants
Gal 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.]
Gal 4:25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
Interestingly Sinai was a desert place, and the place where the law was given, and the land of Ishmael ever since.
Gal 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Jerusalem is a high city; all must go up to Jerusalem. . But we are of the Jerusalem above, that is, heaven; being born from God's Spirit above, we can rejoice with those who rejoice in the miraculous gift of birth God's Son gives to us. We are the people of faith.
Gal 4:27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry (shout), thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
The quotation from Isaiah also suggests that there will soon be more Christians than Jews - a promise which was fulfilled. The Jewish nation that was married to God has brought forth fewer Spiritual children then has the Church, the bride of Christ
Let us compare the two women, Hagar and Sarah and their children (nations)
Hagar a slave; Ishmael born according to the flesh; The covenant of law; The earthly Jerusalem; The children of Jerusalem now; legalists; The righteousness by law.
Sarah a free woman; Isaac - born through God's promise; The covenant of promise and faith; The Jerusalem above; The children of the Jerusalem above; Christians; Righteousness by faith.
John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Born Free
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
John 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
We must remember that we are the children of freedom and as such we are not to be placed into bondage by another.
Gal 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Gal 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
Those of the flesh are the ones to persecute those in the Spirit. I see this in chat rooms, vile talk and yet claiming to be Christian. They oppose those who are in the Spirit; they are upset with the word of God, accusing me of being judgmental. The saints will judge the world and the angels. We are to be lights and salt in the world and the darkness cries out; foul play! You are judging us. No the light hurts blind eyes, and the salt of the world stings festering sin. God will judge as to the final judgment; we are to judge spirits and sinful behavior as to truth and error, according to God's word and Spirit. It is of love to warn another of hell to come. It is love to lead another to saving grace.
Gal 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
Really no one can please God apart from Christ and the help of the Holy Spirit. God has designed us to be inadequate in the flesh to please him. It is always by submission in humility and by simple faith in Jesus that we please him. Cast out the bondwoman and her son; the law, traditions and works that keep you a slave to the law.
Gal 4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
We are heirs with the son of the freewoman.
Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Someone who is legally made free in Christ can still live in bondage; they are deceived into placing themselves back into slavery. But isn't this what the devil likes for us to do? Yes! We are children of God, our Father is LORD God of all. We are not to bow to any other spirit or religion or idol. We are free. Gary
Galatians Chapters
Galatians 5
Galatians 3
Galatians 2
Galatians 1
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