A Spiritual Parent’s Emotional Appeal

Galatians 4:8-20
Tim Nay

Part of Galatians

October 26, 2025

8 “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.” —Galatians 4:8-11 

5 “When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.” —Acts 14:5-7 

Do not turn back to a list of religious rituals. 

“The pharisaical goal is to make the commands of righteousness just easy enough for me to follow, but too difficult for almost everyone else. That will allow me to look pretty good while leaving me plenty of people to judge.” —p. 20, 12 Steps for the Recovering Pharisee, by John Fischer 

20 “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” —Colossians 2:20-23 

FAITH VS. PERFECTION

FAITHFULNESS means being authentic, devoted, consistent, and loyal.

PERFECTION means there is not any room for error. 

“When God calls for perfection, it is assumed that we cannot perform it. It’s the demand for perfection that keeps me relying on God’s mercy and grace.. But the call to faithfulness is a call I can answer. Faithful to follow, faithful to confess, faithful to obey, faithful to repent, faithful to believe, faithful to pray and seek God—all these are the requirements of faithfulness.” 
— p. 21, 12 Steps for the Recovering Pharisee, by John Fischer

12 “Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” —Galatians 4:12-16 

Allow others to be honest and truthful with you. 

8 “Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” —Proverbs 9:8-9 

17 “They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you.” —Galatians 4:17-18 

Be aware some people have ulterior motives. 

19 “My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.” —Galatians 4:19-20 

Emotion is a part of Christ being formed in us. 

TAKEAWAY: Who’s your heart burdened for to become like Christ?