March 13, 2019: SOAP #3387:  Deuteronomy 22-24; Galatians 4

Scripture:  Galatians (NIV) 4:8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God— how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

Observation:   Paul knew the believers in Galatia.  He had visited them twice.  He knew their past, and he knew their present.  He knew their “formerly” and he knew their “but now.”  He knew that they had been set free from being slaves to idols.  They had been motivated by fear to serve the idols.  But they had been set free from fear.  Now they served the true and living God being motivated by love.  What a difference!!!  But someone had told them that they needed to obey the law that had served to bring them to Christ and had been fulfilled by Christ.  Paul was concerned that they might give up their freedom in serving God to be enslaved by the legal system that Christ had fulfilled.

Application:  Everyone has a “formerly” and a “but now.”  Much of my life was built around rules.  My parents’ rules, school rules, etc.  Even now I deal with rules in my life.  But now, in Christ, I am a child of God; I am His son!  It is my joy to serve Him.  I serve Him because I love Him.  It is my pleasure to bring a smile to His face!  Some of the rules that once enslaved me, now serve me as they show me how I can please my Heavenly Father.  His character can be seen through the rules he has given.  I can learn what brings Him joy as I consider His commandments.  It brings Him much joy because I keep His commandments because I want to, and not because I have to!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, You are so amazing!  Your love for me is beyond my comprehension!  I consider the wickedness around me; I know that it grieves your heart, I pray that I may bring you joy.  May I bring a smile to your face today!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!