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Paul turns with deep concern, reminding the Galatians that before they knew God, they were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. So why, now that they know God—or rather, are known by God—would they turn back again to weak and useless spiritual principles? Why return to a kind of slavery, observing special days, months, seasons, and years as if these things could make them right with God?

He pleads with them personally: “Become as I am, for I became as you are.” They had once welcomed him with joy, even though he first preached to them while suffering physically. They treated him like an angel of God—like Christ Jesus himself. What has happened to that joy? Now, those who seek to win them over are not doing it with good motives. They want to shut them out so that the Galatians will pay attention only to them.

Paul speaks like a parent in pain, saying he feels as though he is going through the pains of childbirth again until Christ is fully formed in them. He longs to be with them and change his tone, because he is troubled and confused about them.

Then Paul draws a powerful picture from Scripture. Abraham had two sons—one born to a slave woman, and one born to a free woman. These two women represent two covenants. One leads to slavery, like Mount Sinai, while the other leads to freedom. Those who belong to Christ are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

So Paul declares: Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. If they try to be made right with God by being circumcised, then Christ will be of no benefit to them. Those who depend on the law to make them right with God have been cut off from Christ—they have fallen away from God’s grace.

But those who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

Paul warns them not to misuse their freedom. They are not free to indulge their sinful nature, but to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

He contrasts two ways of living. The sinful nature leads to things like sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, and envy—things that will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces a very different kind of life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Those who belong to Christ have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross.

Since they are living by the Spirit, Paul urges them to follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of their lives—avoiding pride, provoking one another, or envying one another.

He calls them to gently restore anyone caught in sin, to share each other’s burdens, and to remain humble. They should not grow tired of doing what is good, for at just the right time they will reap a harvest of blessing if they don’t give up. Whenever they have the opportunity, they should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Paul closes with a final warning and a final boast. Those who are trying to force them to follow the law are only concerned with appearances. But Paul says, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” What counts is not outward signs, but a new creation. And to all who follow this rule—peace and mercy be upon them.

Verse of the Day: Luke 6:21

"God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh."

Question of the Day:

Are you struggling today? Turn to God's promises and be comforted.