Galatians 4:8–20 (NKJV)
8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain. 12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all. 13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 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.
“My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you…” (19). All pastors and parents can identify with Paul here. That’s why 1 Cor. 15:58 is so comforting: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” Amen! So often the work of parents and pastors can feel very much in vain, but we take comfort in God’s Word here that our work in the Lord is not in vain.
Paul wants the people to be as he is… in Christ. For example, true pastors do not allow hero-worship or make direct followers of themselves per se. Instead, they lead by example by demonstrating how to be followers of Christ. This also means that since God uses our weaknesses for His purposes, faithful congregations must look beyond physical limitations of their pastors and receive the message of Christ through weak, human servants.
The real issue is the truth of the Gospel, but we see all over America today something else. Namely, while truth is still at a premium for us, it is not so for the world and worldly ‘churches’. Instead, like the Judaizers of Paul’s day, who added to God’s Word and tried to create their own criteria for association, false leaders in many compromised churches today, have basically created their own stained-glass country clubs, wherein hero-worship and party-spirit are rampant.
Instead, Paul emphasizes for us the true Gospel, true pastors, true fellowship in Christ, and the true church—these all go together and are centered in Christ. Truth matters—God’s truth, in Christ.
We Pray: Holy Father, keep us faithful to Your Son, His true Gospel, His true pastors, and His true Church. Help us to reach out with Your true Gospel to all who are victims of various falsehoods that they might hear Christ Himself inviting them to return to You through forgiveness in Him alone. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
