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GALATIANS - I Have Been Crucified With Christ
Studies in the Letter of Paul to the Galatians
PART 3: THE LAW OF MOSES AND THE GOSPEL, THEIR INTENTION AND THEIR RESULTS (Galatians 3:1 – 4:31)
6. Paul is zealous for his children in the Spirit, and he suffers much for them (Galatians 4:8-20)
GALATIANS 4:16-20
16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth? 17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
Not everyone would bear the plain word about his bad state. People rather consider the declaration of the truth as transgression and insult. They deny the true friend, the faithful wife, the loving parents, and the brothers in Spirit because they take up the truth, not to revenge, but out of love, guidance, and edification. So, listen to everyone who tells the truth in your face, and be cautious of him who hypocritically flatters you.
The lawyers were also zealous for the Galatians. They worried about them, and became tired for them. However, Paul preached the salvation brought by grace. He did not encourage man to rely on himself, but he broke his self-reliance, and established in believers reliance on God and working by his eternal power; while the deceivers came with the law, and encouraged their hearers to trust their own abilities, as if they were able to establish their salvation through their good works, without any need of the grace of God.
Such supposition resulted in a contest in human goodness, as if one is better than the other, and merits popular praise or applause because of his diligence and hard work in observing the details of the commandments. The deceivers did not aim at the salvation of their hearers in the first place, but sought to acquire fame and honor among people; while Paul appeared as a little humble servant to be a true example of the meek Spirit of Christ.
Paul was zealous or his beloved, though they considered him as an enemy, and rejected him while he was far from them. His original love was nobler and higher than the love of a mother for her only son. However, the apostle suffered severe pains in his heart, and travails in his soul, as if he gave birth to his beloved once again to the eternal spiritual life. Preaching is not a neutral, reasonable, or indifferent thing, but it requires utmost attention, constant prayers, and endurance of rejection with patience and hope. This is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
Yet, Paul was also a man. He did not only want to pray and write from afar, but he also hoped to see his beloved, speak with them face to face, answer their questions, guide them with kindness, and reproach them in love.
It was really for our good that he could not see them immediately, but had to write to them this distinct epistle explaining the principle of grace that they might recognize the way of salvation on one part, and that we also might reap the benefit of preceding ones, on the other part, abiding in Christ and not in the dead law.
PRAYER: O Lord Jesus, you suffered for us on the cross, and were tortured because of our obstinacy and pride, until you caused us to be born again of your Holy Spirit. Help us not to seek self-sanctification by deadly judgments, but to open our hearts completely to the rains of your grace, and experience the fullness of your power in a life of thankfulness for your salvation. Grant us to concern ourselves not only with our own salvation, but also with the others’, as Paul suffered for their spiritual birth, and their continuance in grace.
QUESTION:
- Why did Paul suffer for the Galatians?