(Galatians 4: 12-20)
INTRODUCTION: The problem in Galatia was not a mere matter of academics; it was a matter of life and death...literally speaking. Paul's deep personal feelings for the souls of the Galatians and for the unity and spirituality of the churches of Galatia could not be confined to mere logistics in heading off the problem that threatened their destiny. He appeals to his children in the faith as a father by sing such emotion-packed statements as “I beseech you”...am I become your enemy?...my little children....I am again in travail...I could wish to be present with you now... I am perplexed about you.” If they maintained Judaistic legalism they would be eternally severed from Christ (5: 2-4). In view of that fact, Paul's heart got in the way and he blurts out, as it were, his passionate feelings both for the Galatians and the Judaistic heresy.
I. PAUL'S APPEAL TO HISTORY, 4: 12-16.
After Paul reminded them of his own renunciation of Judaism, “ I also am become as you are,” and his appeal to them also to renounce it, “become as I am,” he then appeals to the providence which brought about their conversion and their joy in receiving the truth.
A. God's Providence, 13
Paul became ill in Galatia and this worked out for an opportunity to preach Christ.
B. Their Joyous Reception, 14-15.
1. Paul's “thorn in the flesh” (i.e. Infirmity of the flesh) seems to surely have been an eye disease (see v. 15 especially). He dictated all his letters by this one (I Cor. 16:21; cf. Col. 4:18; 2 Thess. 3:17). Such an eye problem (called ophthalmalia from OPHTHALMAS, translated eye) causes ugly sores and an unpleasant visage. Yet the Galatians, however tempted to turn away in revulsion, nevertheless, “despised not, nor rejected” God's messenger, but contrary-wise received him 'as an angel of God.”
2. They congratulated themselves on becoming Christians! “Where then is that congratulation of yourselves.”
C. Their Alienation? 16.
Was he indeed their enemy now for having saved them? The question wants to be rhetorical carrying the obvious answer within it.
II. THE GALATIANS WERE ZEALOUSLY COURTED, 4: 17-20/.
A. In No Good way, 17
The approach of the Judaizers was to “shut you out,” from salvation. This was to motivate the Galatians to “seek them” for their doctrine. But Paul exposes the real motive of the false teachers as two-fold (Gal. 6: 12-13).
1. Gloried in the flesh, in capturing Gentiles and Gentiles churches for Judaism so they could brag about it.
2. By this means they could remain Christians without being persecuted by the Jews. A matter of compromise. Hence, the motive of the Judaizers was personal- for themselves.
B. In a Good Way, 18-20.
As a father (see “my little children”) who without regard for himself feels deep agony for the good of his children. See Paul's paternal “travail” (!), his perplexity, his wish to be with them. How like a parent who loves and agonizes for his little children.
CONCLUSION: The real motivation back of God's saving grace is his genuine love for us (Jno. 3:16). The real back of Paul's epistle to the Galatians was his love for those Christians. Is that not after all the mainspring of all Christian endeavor?
QUESTION?? Can our proclamation of truth both to sinner and saint alike be misinterpreted by the recipients? Shall we then as preachers...teachers of the lost...offer as reasons for quitting the very things which Christ said would be our lot in hardship as gospel preachers? See 2 Tim. 4: 3-5, “ They will not endure the sound doctrine...but suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist.”
Do not let the charge of being callous and cold-hearted cool your love for the lost, or for the church. Misjudgments concerning the real motives for preaching the truth in season and out is a sure part of the preacher's lot. So be it. Preach the word anyway. Remember Jeremiah (20:9)!
by Lane Rogers