Galatians 4 -- Live ROYALLY

Paul was addressing the fact that those in the Galatian church who’d never been Jewish were beginning to believe that they needed to follow Jewish law to “complete” their Christianity.  Today, we don’t seem to have THAT problem as often, possibly because non-Christians look at the Ten Commandments as a list of “Thou Shalt Nots” and they don’t want restrictions put on them by religion when and if they do become Christians.

I think our version of law-keeping was well-described in my commentary:  “It gives some people intense satisfaction to feel there is something they can do in their own strength to win God’s smile.  But this implies that man has some strength, and hence, to that extent, he does not need the Savior … It is impossible to inherit God’s blessings on the basis of human merit or fleshly effort.”

Paul compares our striving to please God through our own efforts to bondage, and in fact it acts like bondage as we struggle to please, then fail by sinning, then struggle to please again.  It is never enough, much like a meth addict experiences, I suppose.

My commentary cuts to the chase in telling us what to do:  “Child of His love, all things are yours – He tells you this in 1 Corinthians 3:22-23 – to arouse you to a realization of riches beyond your utmost powers of imagination to comprehend.  Consider the universe.  Whose is it, but His and yours.  Then live ROYALLY.”

We effectively place ourselves in the position of slaves when we try to please God in our own strength, doing things for Him rather than resting in His grace.  Why make ourselves spiritual paupers?

Father, remind me often of how weak I am, and that I need your grace every day.  Don’t let me become prideful in that I dare to assume I can win Your favor by doing things in my own strength for You.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford