22 November 2020 (am) – Galatians 4:8-20

Andy Bruins preaching from Galatians on Sunday 22nd November 2020.

In this passage, Paul pleads with the Galatian believers not to return, even in principle to the system of religion from which they were first converted; seeking salvation through works.
It is because of this that they have lost the joy that they first had when he was with them at the beginning.
The Judaisers want recognition for themselves and so they have alienated these believers from the Apostles. So Paul pleads with them to see sense – they should not be trying to become like these false teachers, instead they should be following his example in becoming like Christ.

Big Idea: Returning to the slavery of working for God’s love robs us of our joy and our assurance

Q Read v8-11. In what way is the pagan religion from which the Galatians had been converted based on the same principles as the teaching of the Judaisers?

Q Read v12. In what way do you think Paul became like the Galatians (take a look at 1 Corinthians 9:19-23)? In what way does Paul want them now to become like him (see v19)?

Q Read v13-16. How had the Galatians first received Paul? How had their attitude towards his changed?

Q According to v17, what caused this change? What do these false teachers want from the Galatians? How is this different from what Paul wants for them?

Q What is legalism? What forms does it take in the church? How do we combat it?