Unshackled #8
Paul’s Plea for the Galatians
Galatians 4:12-20 (NKJV)
Paul’s Plea (v. 12)
Galatians 4:12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all.
Philippians 3:4-9 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning
zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have
suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
I Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
Relationship History (v. 13-16)
Galatians 4:13-16 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?
God can use natural or supernatural things to direct our lives
II Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might
depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
The Galatians were willing to sacrifice for Paul’s benefit
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The Galatians were struggling with the truth that Paul was sharing
Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Stand for godly things in a godly way as we love people enough to tell them the truth
Philippians 1:19-21 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be
magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Contrast of Attitudes and Goals (v. 17-20)
Galatians 4:17-20 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.
The Judaizers had selfish motives – they used others for their own gain and attacked those they considered their enemies
We are to speak the truth boldly in love and respond to the truth with humility and grace
