Bible Study Notes for Lord’s Day,
May 3, 2009
Galatians 4:8-20
Flesh and Spirit
8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those
which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God,
or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the
weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?
10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid
for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you.
You have not injured me at all. 13 You know that because of physical
infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my trial
which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received
me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 What then was the
blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible,
you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 16
Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to
exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it is good
to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present
with you. 19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again
until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with
you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
Introduction The Galatians began their Christian experience in humility,
by grace through faith, in the Spirit, in the law of love, in freedom
and power. But then got drawn back into pride, legalism, performance,
self righteousness, the flesh, bondage.
1. Characteristics of the Flesh
a. Not knowing God v8
8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God
b. Serving, but not God v8
8b you served those which by nature are not gods.
c. Weak and beggarly elements v9
9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God,
how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements,
to which you desire again to be in bondage?
d. Bondage v9
how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements,
to which you desire again to be in bondage?
e. Observing religious symbols v10
10 You observe days and months and seasons and years.
f. Focus on outward appearance v13-14
13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel
to you at the first. 14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did
not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even
as Christ Jesus.
g. Resistance to the truth v16
16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
h. Selfish ambition, power plays, politics v17
17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to
exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.
i. Christ is not being formed in us v19
19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ
is formed in you,
j. Causes doubts and fears for true leaders, rebuke v19-20, 11
19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ
is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with you now and
to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
2. Characteristics of the Spirit
a. Truly knowing God, and being known by Him v8-9
8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those
which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God,
or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the
weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?
b. Serving God -
c. Serving in power and freedom -
d. Freedom from religious rituals and symbols v10
10 You observe days and months and seasons and years.
e. Focus on the Spirit, not outward appearance v13-15
13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel
to you at the first. 14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did
not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even
as Christ Jesus. 15 What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For
I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out
your own eyes and given them to me.
f. Loving the truth v16
16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
g. Freedom from head games, politics, tyranny v17
17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to
exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it is good
to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present
with you.
h. Christ formed in us v19
19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ
is formed in you,
Conclusions v8-20
8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those
which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God,
or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the
weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?
10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid
for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you.
You have not injured me at all. 13 You know that because of physical
infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my trial
which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received
me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 What then was the
blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible,
you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 16
Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to
exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it is good
to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present
with you. 19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again
until Christ is formed in you, 20 I would like to be present with
you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
Pastor Steve Boggan
Living Waters Christian Fellowship
Heritage Ranch by Lake Nacimiento, CA
Website - livingwaters.cc
