Gal 4:8-20[1]
Rolling Hills Church, 25 July 2010
I want to read a portion of a parable that Jesus taught; it's often called The Prodigal Son. Luke 15:11-24
11 And he said, "There was a man who had two sons.
12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them.
13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.
14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need.
15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.
16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.
19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."'
20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22 But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
That's a beautiful story from Scripture about that which was lost (the son) being found. Now let's imagine it's two years later and this is the story we hear…
Two men came to the family farm where the former prodigal was working hard in the fields. They stopped to pass the time of day with him, and the topic of religion came up. "I believe in Jehovah God, as does my family." The reply came quickly, "Oh we do too, sir! In fact, we're out talking about that with folks today. We have a couple of these scroll-copies we would like to give you, and if you'd be open to it, we'd really like to sit down and talk about this with you some more." The son took the scrolls, and thought, "These guys are diligent and devoted! I'd like to hear some more of this."
Six months later he is astounded at the reaction of his father when he tells him that he had joined a group called Jehovah's Martyrs. "Father, they love God, and they are hard-working, diligent folks. They commit very much time to sharing the Scriptures with people, and they have very wise teachers who help us see new things in the law and the prophets." His father, grieving in his heart, asked the son, "Would you again turn from me?" Now let's turn to our text today in Gal 4:8-20
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.
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 the blessing you felt? 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?
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,
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.
Jeremiah Wendt, would you offer a prayer for us, brother?
We know what Paul is so concerned about: Justification is by faith alone in Christ alone.
Did you notice in this text a turning from the strong, direct, and authoritative tone Paul had been using to a more loving, relational tone with the Galatians? It reveals to us this truth that can often be overlooked: When you turn from the gospel to a lie, you are also turning from those who brought the gospel to you. In fact, it is necessary to do so, if the ones who shared the gospel with you are standing firm in this gospel. Now I have read this text, and given you the main idea; let me address it today through a series of questions.
When Paul says 'become as I am, what in the world is Paul talking about?
He's writing to Gentiles who have believed Christ and are now considering circumcision as a way of righteousness with God. He is a Jew who was under the law but came to believe in Jesus as the only 'justifier' of any man, woman, or child of any culture, skin color, or religious background. I believe we'll see what he meant by that as we go along.
They had come to faith in Christ from pagan idolatries, and Paul had come to faith in Christ from diligent Judaism. Here is what I believe Paul means. He had turned from the non-saving belief of a Christ-rejecting Judaism; he had set aside any and all hope of the law-keeping as a means of salvation. Rather his entire and complete hope of being made right with God and not having God's wrath poured out on him eternally was Jesus Christ's substitutionary death on the cross. Paul says, 'become as I am' meaning, "C'mon, brothers- believe this truth I taught you, and stand firm in it like I do! Don't consider circumcision as a means of righteousness! Let's ask this question as well…
How does Paul describe what they are turning back to?
As both non-gods and elementary principles of the world that enslave people. Elementary principles or spirits of the world is a thought Paul brought up in Colossians 2:8 as well…
2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
Down in 2:20-23 Paul writes this: 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— "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 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.
Calling both idolatry and law-keeping 'elementary principles' points out that idolatry and law-keeping as a means of righteousness have some things in common:
They can't save you. There is a reason God sent the apostles – and sends us – to preach the gospel to those bound up in religious and non-religious idolatry; the need the blood of Christ applied to their lives before they are free! Neither road leads to life, only death.
They are contrasted with the gospel, with truth. Just like when I added to the story of the prodigal; he went from debauchery, to faith, to a cult adding to the gospel (and thus NULLIFYING the gospel). It's like a little boy who was playing in a mud puddle when his Mom told him to get out of there and clean up and come in! He got out of the mud puddle, jumped in the clean pool, and then took a quick leap into the stagnant, scum-topped pond before coming into the house. Neither the mud nor the scum is clean. Only Christ is our righteousness; both law-keeping and pagan idolatry disdain faith in Christ alone. They are lies; that is what is contrasted with truth – lies. Good news? No, bad news! Furthermore…
Both require unbelief in Christ – or rather, God requires that we not claim to believe in Christ AND anything to save us. If we claim to believe Christ and anything, we do not believe in Christ – that's God's opinion. "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
Now let's consider another question this text brings out to us that is new here…
Who are these people to Paul? They are brothers, friends, and little children.
Consider that Paul loves these people. Remember the scorned, rejected Father running down the road to meet and hug the returning rebel? Why? It is because he loved Him, just as God loves us, folks! But not only does God loves us, those who brought the gospel to us and who shepherd us in the truth love us as well. This is a continual sub-theme in Scripture. Paul to the Thessalonians: "But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." 1 Thess 2:7-8
John to Gaius: "For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 3-4. It was the same with Peter. Jesus taught us to love one another! These people are dear to Paul; brothers, friends, children. So…
What affect is their potential apostasy having on Paul? It's hurting him terribly! He is afraid, in anguish, and perplexed.
These words aren't trying to communicate a depletion in convert statistics or resume-drainers; this is about people he loves! So, as with any parents who have children who turn from truth to a lie, he was grieving deeply. Afraid, in anguish, and perplexed. Greatest fear? That their faith wasn't genuine; that they would turn or fall away from Christ, thus proving their faith to be fake. Church let me pose this question to you as I wrap this up and turn to the Lord's Table:
Do we think about what affect our apostasy or sin has on God?
What affect do we think our apostasy and sin has on those who love us?
What happens to those who care about us when we turn from faith in Christ, and turn back to what we had before (worldly satisfaction, death)?
Answer: anyone who loves Christ and loves us, hurts deeply.
God hurts. He loves you, of course He will hurt! Read the Old Testament, the prophets; feel the pain of God.
Parents hurt. We age, we suffer.
Pastors hurt.
Teachers, friends, fellow Christ-followers in church or small group with us, evangelists who led us to Christ – they all suffer.
I'm no great man, but I'm greatly loved; imagine the impact on those who love me, who have invested in me, if I were to turn from the gospel? It chills me to even consider such.
Do you ever think about the effect of your sin and possible turning from Christ on others?
Church, let us heed Paul's painful appeal: Become as I am. Stand firm in believing Christ alone for salvation.
Let's pray.
[1] All Scripture, unless otherwise noted, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, (via E-Sword Software) © 2001 Crossway Publishing. All Rights Reserved
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