Introduction
Galatians 4:8–20: Paul is deeply worried that other people have turned the Galatians away from what he has taught.
Today’s Key Verse: Galatians 4:8 GNT
In the past you did not know God, and so you were slaves of beings who are not gods.
Read
8 In the past you did not know God, and so you were slaves of beings who are not gods. 9 But now that you know God—or, I should say, now that God knows you—how is it that you want to turn back to those weak and pitiful ruling spirits? Why do you want to become their slaves all over again? 10 You pay special attention to certain days, months, seasons, and years. 11 I am worried about you! Can it be that all my work for you has been for nothing?
12 I beg you, my friends, be like me. After all, I am like you. You have not done me any wrong. 13 You remember why I preached the gospel to you the first time; it was because I was sick. 14 But even though my physical condition was a great trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you received me as you would an angel from heaven; you received me as you would Christ Jesus. 15 You were so happy! What has happened? I myself can say that you would have taken out your own eyes, if you could, and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
17 Those other people show a deep interest in you, but their intentions are not good. All they want is to separate you from me, so that you will have the same interest in them as they have in you. 18 Now, it is good to have such a deep interest if the purpose is good—this is true always, and not merely when I am with you. 19 My dear children! Once again, just like a mother in childbirth, I feel the same kind of pain for you until Christ’s nature is formed in you. 20 How I wish I were with you now, so that I could take a different attitude toward you. I am so worried about you!
Reflect
Reread verses 8–11. What is Paul’s concern for the Galatians? What does he ask the Galatians to remember (verses 13–14)? Based on today’s reading, how would you describe what Paul is feeling? How does he connect his personal feelings to his longing for his readers (verse 19)?
Pray
Lord God, through Christ you have been revealed to me and I am humbled and thankful that I now know you and you know me. May Christ’s nature continue to be formed in me and show itself in my love for others. I praise you, Lord God. Truly blessed am I. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Galatians 4:21–31: Paul cites the example of Abraham’s two sons to describe our relationship with God.
