GROUP GUIDE: Galatians 4:12-20

Throughout the letter to the Galatians, we have seen Paul defend the gospel. Paul has defended the gospel theologically and biblically, but in the verses we looked at this week, we see Paul speaking about and appealing to the experience the gospel brings, the radical change Christ produces in us through the Spirit. In this passage, we can see three things.

I. Imitate those who live for Christ (v. 12a)

In this verse, Paul reminds them, in this first point, of the following: Imitate those who live for Christ. Paul reminds them how he became like them to show them Christ. In short, Paul did not follow all Jewish customs while with them to show that salvation was not dependent on them. This was Paul's "philosophy" of evangelism (1 Corinthians 9:19-23): "19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, to win Jews. To those under the law, I became as one under the law (though not being under the law myself), to win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ), to win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."Paul wants and longs for the Galatians to find their freedom in Christ. Now Paul is imploring the Galatians to stop thinking they have to do something to earn salvation. Now it's important to note that Paul isn't telling them to imitate him out of pride, but rather to imitate him as he imitates Christ. He wants them to live lives according to the gospel. Paul's concern is that the Galatians might find rest in Jesus's work.

As believers, we should imitate those who live for Christ. But we should also be able to say, "Become like me," especially to those who don't know God and to those in our church. We must be intentional and transparent. We must live lives that please the Lord.

II Remember Your First Love (12b-15)

From the second part of verse 12 to verse 15, Paul reminds them of when they heard the gospel and how they responded to it. Paul begins by saying that they have done him no wrong; what Paul is saying is how they received him when he first presented the gospel. Paul continues, explaining how he was able to preach the gospel to them, and how, because of his illness, they didn't despise or mistreat him. On the contrary, they were willing to listen to the gospel; in fact, Paul says they received him like an angel or like Christ Jesus himself. Then Paul asks them a question: "Where has the joy gone that comes from hearing the gospel and being transformed by it?" Because they were so willing and eager to hear the gospel, to the point that they were even willing "to gouge out their eyes for Paul." We don't know what illness Paul had, nor do we know if what the Galatians said was literal, but most likely not. What it does show is that God had been working in their hearts so that they would hear the gospel, to such a degree that they were willing to listen and ready to help the one who carried the message. But now that joy was gone.

In these verses, we can see several things. One of the things we can see is that God even uses our suffering. God can use it to be a blessing to others, so that others can hear the gospel. God uses everything that happens in our lives for His glory when we are willing to glorify Him. Let us not make excuses that God cannot use us, or say, "When things are better, then I will be able to be a blessing to others." Now, I am not saying that our sufferings are not difficult; in fact, they are very difficult, but God can use them for His glory and to be a blessing to others if we rest in Him. May we remember what the Lord has done in our lives.

III. Be on Your Guard Against False Teachers (16-20)

n these last verses, Paul warns them to be on their guard against false teachers. But he begins by telling them that something has changed; they no longer treat him the same way.

Now they treat him as if he were an enemy, even though his message hasn't changed. In the following verses, Paul explains the reason for this change and begins to warn them about false teachers. He tells them how they flattered and praised them, but their motivation was wrong. They were only seeking flattery and praise. The good deeds they performed for them were selfish. In other words, their motivation was selfishness. Paul goes on to say that the problem isn't that they do good to others, but why they do it. Paul adds that they only do these things for their own benefit.

In contrast, Paul's goal is found in verse 19: he is in agony "until Christ is formed in you." This is crucial. Despite his exhortation in verse 12 to "be like me," Paul is simply setting an example for the Galatians to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. Paul doesn't say "like me," but "walk as I walk." He isn't seeking followers, but rather that people follow Christ as he does. Paul wants people to depend on Christ.