Paul's Perplexity and the Galatians' Former Devotion

You baffle the Apostle Paul—not in a good way. He's perplexed and has doubts about you. There's strong language in Galatians, like being in one of the seven churches without full commendation.

Galatians 4:13-15: "You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at first; 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. What then has become of the blessing you felt? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me."

Paul preached to them despite a physical infirmity, likely an eye problem—something repulsive, like an infection. They didn't despise or reject him; they didn't spit him out as unclean. Instead, they received him as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. They would have plucked out their own eyes and given them to him. Have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?

Freedom in Christ Versus Legalism

Before Christ, we were under stewards, guardians, and the law's restrictions. In Christ, we have freedom—not to do whatever we want, but freedom from the law to obey it. It's freedom for unhindered devotion to God as His children.

Legalism is outward devotion without inward reality. You look righteous on the outside—faithful church attender, serving perfectly—but inside, sin rules and Jesus is not Lord. It's hypocrisy, driving you away from true relationship with God.

The Core Problem: Legalism Prevents Christlikeness

Legalism's greatest horror is that it keeps you from becoming like Christ. If legalism were true, Christ's death was needless and grace wasted. Worse, it hinders your spiritual growth toward maturity in Jesus.

Legalism centers on you, not Christ. Christianity's point is believers becoming like Jesus, maximizing the Father's pleasure by displaying His well-pleasing Son.

Romans 8:28-30: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

God works all things for good by conforming you to Christ's image. Jesus is preeminent, the firstborn of supreme value. Salvation glorifies Him, with us reaping benefits as co-heirs.

Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Recalling Their Christlike Past

Paul says, "Become as I am, for I became as you are." This is family language—relating as brothers and sisters, intimately knowing one another like Paul did with Jews and Gentiles.

Galatians 4:17-20: "They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you."

They once showed sacrificial love, receiving Paul as Christ. That's Christlikeness: giving from abundance to meet needs. Christ, possessing all righteousness, freely gave it to us despite our lack.

The Robbery of Legalism

Christlikeness brings blessedness, true joy. Legalism robs your identity as a "little Christ," your joy in Him, fellowship with believers, and intimacy with Christ. It promises closeness but excludes others, centering attention on the legalists themselves.

The Judaizers zealously courted the Galatians to exclude them from true fellowship, making devotees of themselves. Legalism turns churches into man-centered institutions, fostering distance and idolatry of leaders.

Pursuing Christlikeness: Practical Responses

Know the Legalist

Legalists don't seek your growth in Christ; they want your zeal for themselves, pushing you from gospel-nourishing fellowship. Saturate every life area with gospel hygiene—spiritual habits fostering more Christ.

Examine Your Devotion

Is it to a person, style, or the gospel? Come to church for the gospel's emphasis. This endures hardships, motivates service, and sees needs in others as Christ's. Love shown to saints is love toward His name.

Hebrews 6:10: "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do."

Know the Gospel

The gospel is good news against sin: we're utterly sinful, unable to save ourselves. Jesus died, was buried, and raised for our righteousness. Respond with faith (assured belief) and repentance. It brings sweet fellowship with God—knowing Christ surpasses all.

Legalism centers salvation on you; the true gospel centers on God and relationship with Christ.