Galatians 4:8-9
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them over and over again?
These are such painful, convicting words. Even when we know better, and have lived and grown in the presence of God, we will still turn back to old ways and to old sins. Why don't we learn? I am so thankful that God forgives and wipes our sins away so readily. We have to remember that we belong to God. We are his, and his is the most excellent way.
Thank-you, Father, for the blessings you shower on me. When I am wondering why things need to be so difficult, you remind me of my place on this earth, and what I can contribute. Help me to see and hear all you need me to know. Amen
Becky, transforming
Thursday
January 5th, 2022
Galatians 4:8-9
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 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?
Paul makes his appeal personal, by asking the Galatians why they moved from blessing him to rejecting the message of Christ. Paul has to take them back and remind them where they used to be. back to their pagan past. He takes them back to when they were sinners. when they did not know God, when…
Galatians 4:8–9 Paul is reminding the churches in the Galatian region to remember where they were before they knew God and God knew them. He wanted them to not revert back to those times. The reminder for us is to stay focused on our Christian life and goals and not let our worldly culture take over. Daily work with his word is important to keep us on track. Prayer: gracious God, help me to stay focused on you.
Galatians 4:8-9 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Paul is telling these people that they should not go back to believing in false gods. It is always easy to go back to old habits but when you know the truth it shouldn’t matter. The only God to worship is Jesus Christ, for he is King.
Dearest Lord, knowing you is one of the most wonderful things in my life. To believe in you…
Galatians 4:8-9
It seems like Paul is telling the Galatians that it is easier to be “known by God” than to worship idols. I believe that the opposite is true. It seems to be easier to worship idols because they do not ask that you carry out any actions except for sacrificing to them. Whereas our God, even though he doesn’t demand it, asks that we love one another and do good to others. I can see why weak people revert back to old ways.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving us guidelines to follow. Even though it requires some effort, it leads to a much more satisfying life. Amen.
Galatians 4:8-9 I am reminded of Paul’s lament in Romans about knowing what is right and still doing what he knows to be wrong. Our propensity to persist in bad habits is evidence that we still have idols in our midst that have the power to enslave. The Christian life takes work, is not easy, but is worth all the effort we can give.
Prayer - Mighty God, unleash Your power in me to reject anything that has the potential to distract me from the only legitimate object of worship. I am beholden only to You, out triune God. Amen