FHBC Sermon Notes

Galatians 4:8-20 - We so often have trouble giving up what we defined oursleves by before Christ for the great gift we have been given in Jesus. Paul examines this point is chapter 4.

 

1. The gospel's concern that we not return to our former slavery. (4:8-11)

We are sons, we are no longer, slaves, outcasts, separated from the inheritance, from the given promises. This is why we continually proclaim the gospel to ourselves, lest we forget who we are. It is inconceivable that we would want to be slaves again.

Imagine if the prodigal son upon his return had stuck to his request, and said, "No Dad, don't take me back as a son, I want to be a slave." Sometimes we think we can earn our way to sonship, and in turn keep our alleged autonomy. But sonship cannot be earned, it can only be given.

While we might not like the Galatians be tempted to go back to the OT law, there are things we are always going back too:

Pornography - some studies indicate that one in two men in the church struggle with this. This is not always a male thing as well, women struggle with this as well. Probably more common though is the male ideal that some women fall into. Emotional pornography one might say. See all the romance novels. Both of these examples betray the same desire, and self service, self indulgent version of relationship.

Money - We establish this in so many ways. For stability, for our goals, for supposed comfort and satisfaction. This is not a temptation for the rich, this is a temptation for us all. Just think of the way that we talk and think about our life goals.

Worldliness - We so often define our lives by the what the world defines. We want to be accepted in circles where Jesus is not so popular. We cannot hide from the world, not if we love the gospel, and want to see it declared. No, but we cannot be defined by it.

2. The gospel's concern that Christ reign in us. (4:12-20)

One of scriptures seeming paradoxes. We are slaves of Christ, yet Sons of God. Paul makes this point first through and entreat . Be imitators of Christ, just as he is an imitator of Christ. Secondly, Paul brings out his embarrassing personal difficulties. His own body ailments become a way that Jesus is proclaimed. From scripture we realize how undesireable has a person of physical stature that Paul was. By saying be like me, he is also pointing to his deficiencies as well, and how in Christ, even that is redeemed and made glorious in Jesus.

This is not just point from the past. It applies to us two thousand years later directly.

Some questions then:

Do you imitate Jesus?


Do abide in Jesus? Are defined by his nature and not run own?

Do we rest in the gospel?

So the challenge is, if this strikes you hard, is to repent and be restored. Let Christ be formed in you. Jesus is able more than all we have been and all the world tempts us with.