Warning of Being Enslaved by Legalism
8 But in the past, since you didn’t know God, you were enslaved to things that by nature are not gods. 9 But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elements? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? 10 You are observing special days, months, seasons, and years. 11 I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted. (Galatians 4:8-11)
From verses 8 to 11, Paul now addresses the Gentiles in the churches in Galatia, specifically those that fell to the deceiving ways of the Judaizers. In verse 8, Paul reminds them of their history, in how they used to worship the pagan gods such as Zeus, “enslaved to things that by nature are not gods.” But, in verse 9, when they became believers in Jesus Christ, that bondage of false worship was broken. The Lord initiated the relationship with them, having them “become known by God.” Yet, they had backslided, trading that loving relationship with the Lord to now legalism, leading to Paul’s question “How can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elements? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?”
Of course, the answer to this question should be “No, we don’t want to be enslaved to them.” And yet, in verse 10, Paul brings up the evidence that they were convinced by the Judaizers to observe the Mosaic calendar. Bible Commentator Max Anders gives more cultural context: “These seasonal events included special days (weekly sabbaths), months (new moons), and seasons (Festival of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles).” Their goal in doing all this? Anders again, “The Galatians kept these festivals to gain God’s favor.”
Paul plainly states in verse 11, “I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.” There are two ways to interpret this sentiment by Paul, both of which are concerning: (1) Paul was saddened that their spiritual maturity was stunted by them backsliding in their faith, or (2) these actions of legalism may indicate that they never truly believed in Christ in the first place.
Paul spoke these tough words to the churches in Galatia because he deeply cared for them and did not want them to be led astray by false teachings. The Judaizers stated they needed to earn God’s favor, which is impossible by man due to our sin. It is only by the grace of God that we can be saved, as it says in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” It is all by accepting the gift of grace provided through Jesus Christ’ death on the cross. It is through Jesus that we are made favorable in the eyes of the Father.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
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