Developed

Today, we are going to do things a little different. I am going to ask you to share your word. Before you read, say a short prayer and ask God to reveal to you the one word (thought) that he wants you to “hear” as you read.
As you read, remember these two things …
- Paul’s main issue, throughout this letter, has been that you didn’t have to become a Jew (specifically be circumcised) to be considered a Jesus follower. You become a Jesus follower (a child of God) by simply believing in Jesus.
- Paul was also concerned about new Jesus followers being more concerned about keeping the law than expressing grace. He wasn’t trying to ignore the law. He wanted them to follow the law; but as a response to grace (out of gratitude and respect and trust), not in search of grace (as if somehow obeying enough laws would earn them the grace they had already freely received). It is a completely different mindset. People who live by grace become more humble and are more concerned about expressing love and kindness. People who live by the law become more prideful and are more concerned about making sure everyone following the rules.


Galatians 4
1 Think of it this way. If a father dies and leaves an inheritance for his young children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow up, even though they actually own everything their father had. 2 They have to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set. 3 And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world. 4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. 6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
8 Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. 9 So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world? 10 You are trying to earn favor with God by observing certain days or months or seasons or years. 11 I fear for you. Perhaps all my hard work with you was for nothing. 12 Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to live as I do in freedom from these things, for I have become like you Gentiles - free from those laws. You did not mistreat me when I first preached to you. 13 Surely you remember that I was sick when I first brought you the Good News. 14 But even though my condition tempted you to reject me, you did not despise me or turn me away. No, you took me in and cared for me as though I were an angel from God or even Christ Jesus himself. 15 Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then? I am sure you would have taken out your own eyes and given them to me if it had been possible. 16 Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth? 17 Those false teachers are so eager to win your favor, but their intentions are not good. They are trying to shut you off from me so that you will pay attention only to them. 18 If someone is eager to do good things for you, that’s all right; but let them do it all the time, not just when I’m with you. 19 Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives. 20 I wish I were with you right now so I could change my tone. But at this distance I don’t know how else to help you.


Send me your word (and why it stood out to you if you are willing). Click on “things” below. I know it is a little awkward and a little intimidating; but I know you can do it. Take a step toward letting Jesus be more fully developed in your life.