Galatians 4:9
Verse
Context
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.9But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?10You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!
Sermons
Peter Masters
Michael Flowers
R. Stanley
J.B. StoneySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now, after that ye have known God - After having been brought to the knowledge of God as your Savior. Or rather are known of God - Are approved of him, having received the adoption of sons. To the weak and beggarly elements - After receiving all this, will ye turn again to the ineffectual rites and ceremonies of the Mosaic law - rites too weak to counteract your sinful habits, and too poor to purchase pardon and eternal life for you? If the Galatians were turning again to them, it is evident that they had been once addicted to them. And this they might have been, allowing that they had become converts from heathenism to Judaism, and from Judaism to Christianity. This makes the sense consistent between the 8th and 9th verses.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
known God or rather are known of God--They did not first know and love God, but God first, in His electing love, knew and loved them as His, and therefore attracted them to the saving knowledge of Him (Mat 7:23; Co1 8:3; Ti2 2:19; compare Exo 33:12, Exo 33:17; Joh 15:16; Phi 3:12). God's great grace in this made their fall from it the more heinous. how--expressing indignant wonder at such a thing being possible, and even actually occurring (Gal 1:6). "How is it that ye turn back again?" weak--powerless to justify: in contrast to the justifying power of faith (Gal 3:24; compare Heb 7:18). beggarly--contrasted with the riches of the inheritance of believers in Christ (Eph 1:18). The state of the "child" (Gal 4:1) is weak, as not having attained manhood; "beggarly," as not having attained the inheritance. elements--"rudiments." It is as if a schoolmaster should go back to learning the A, B, C'S [BENGEL]. again--There are two Greek words in the original. "Ye desire again, beginning afresh, to be in bondage." Though the Galatians, as Gentiles, had never been under the Mosaic yoke, yet they had been under "the elements of the world" (Gal 4:3): the common designation for the Jewish and Gentile systems alike, in contrast to the Gospel (however superior the Jewish was to the Gentile). Both systems consisted in outward worship and cleaved to sensible forms. Both were in bondage to the elements of sense, as though these could give the justification and sanctification which the inner and spiritual power of God alone could bestow. ye desire--or "will." Will-worship is not acceptable to God (Col 2:18, Col 2:23).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But now, after that ye have known God, God in Christ, as their covenant God and Father, through the preaching of the Gospel, and in the light of divine grace; God having caused light to shine in their dark hearts; and having given them the light of the knowledge of himself in the face of Christ, and having sent down into their hearts the Spirit of his Son, crying "Abba", Father. Or rather are known of God; for it is but little that the best of these, that have the greatest share of knowledge, know of him; and what knowledge they have, they have it first, originally, and wholly from him: that knowledge which he has of them is particular, distinct, and complete; and is to be understood, not of his omniscience in general, so all men are known by him; but of his special knowledge, joined with affection, approbation, and care: and the meaning is, that they were loved by him with an everlasting love, which had been manifested in their conversion, in the drawing of them to himself, and to his Son; that he approved of them, delighted in them, had an exact knowledge, and took special care of them: but, oh, folly and ingratitude! how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto you desire again to be in bondage? meaning the ordinances of the ceremonial law, he before calls "the elements of the world", and here "weak", because they could not give life, righteousness, peace, joy, comfort, and salvation; and, since the coming of Christ, were become impotent to all the uses they before served; and beggarly, because they lay in the observation of mean things, as meats, drinks, &c. and which were only shadows of those good things, the riches of grace and glory, which come by Christ. The Galatians are said to turn again to these; not that they were before in the observation of them, except the Jews, but because there was some likeness between these, and the ceremonies with which they carried on the service of their idols; and by showing an inclination to them, they discovered a good will to come into a like state of bondage they were in before; than which nothing could be more stupid and ungrateful in a people that had been blessed with so much grace, and with such clear Gospel light and knowledge.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:9 now that you know God: Christians have a relationship with God that is like a child to a parent rather than a slave to a master (4:5-7). • why do you want to go back? Paul was perplexed (cp. 4:19-20) that Christians who had this standing would want to return to their old life of slavery. • now that God knows you: God is the agent of salvation and had taken the initiative in laying their souls bare (cp. Ps 139:1-6, 23-24; Luke 2:34-35; Heb 4:12) and forgiving them freely. • By turning to circumcision, the Galatians would be returning to the same useless spiritual principles of this world that they had known under paganism. In both cases, one must work to satisfy an unyielding master.
Galatians 4:9
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.9But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?10You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Primitive Era
By Peter Masters1.3K45:52GAL 1:6GAL 3:28GAL 4:1GAL 4:9GAL 4:28
This sermon delves into the Primitive Era, focusing on the letter to the Galatians addressing the Judaizers who sought to add works to faith for salvation. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the transition from being under the elemental laws to being heirs of God through Christ, highlighting the danger of returning to legalism and the importance of holding fast to the true gospel. The sermon urges believers to guard against false teachings that distort the purity of salvation by faith alone.
The New Exodus Community - Galatians 5:1
By Michael Flowers40332:26CommunityLUK 9:31JHN 13:34ACT 11:181CO 1:21GAL 4:9GAL 5:3GAL 5:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about his dog and a bone to illustrate the destructive nature of biting and devouring one another. He connects this behavior to the false teachings that were being spread in the Galatian churches, suggesting that they were causing division and harm within the community. The speaker emphasizes the importance of loving one's neighbor as oneself, quoting from the law to support this idea. He also highlights the practical ways in which the congregation can serve one another, using the example of volunteers in the church and the desire to create a loving environment for children.
How to Test Doctrines
By R. Stanley1GEN 3:5LUK 6:43JHN 17:20ACT 2:422CO 5:7GAL 4:9GAL 5:1EPH 2:8EPH 4:31TH 5:211TI 1:31TI 6:32TI 4:3Francis Schaeffer emphasizes the importance of standing for truth and against false doctrine to prevent a barrier between future generations and the gospel. Paul's warning to Timothy about false teachings and the rise of false doctrines in the last days is highlighted. The sermon stresses the significance of sound doctrine in the early Church's growth and the need to test teachings and teachers. Seven tests are provided to evaluate teachings, including salvation by grace, liberty versus bondage, promotion of holiness, emphasis on Scriptures over experiences, worship of God's greatness, motivation for evangelism, and fostering spiritual unity over sinful seclusion.
The Church of God in Relation to the Coming of the Lord.
By William Kelly0MRK 10:29JHN 14:2ROM 11:171CO 4:81CO 12:13GAL 4:9EPH 1:181TH 4:162TH 2:2William Kelly preaches about the unique position of the Church of God in relation to Christ's coming, emphasizing the heavenly nature of the Church as distinct from earthly expectations. He highlights the importance of understanding the Church's hope in Christ's return, the need for separation from worldly influences, and the dangers of false teachings and distractions that hinder the true expression of faith and allegiance to the Lord. Kelly stresses the significance of the Church's identification with Christ, the anticipation of His coming as the Bridegroom, and the impending judgment on false elements within Christendom, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all else.
Leaven of Laodicea
By J.B. Stoney0MAT 16:181CO 3:3GAL 4:9REV 3:18J.B. Stoney preaches about the dangers of allowing the flesh to influence and corrupt the church, leading to divisions, self-satisfaction, and a departure from true godliness. He highlights the importance of recognizing the judicial ending of the old nature before God through Christ's death on the cross, which inaugurated a new race. Stoney warns against the leaven of Laodicean mindset in the church, where self-elevation and human elements are exalted over true godliness and the power of Christ's resurrection.
Some Thoughts on the Law and Grace
By Art Katz0Law vs. GraceThe New CovenantMAT 5:17LUK 24:27JHN 1:17ROM 6:142CO 5:17GAL 4:9EPH 2:8PHP 3:12COL 2:14HEB 8:13Art Katz discusses the tension between law and grace in his conversations with unsaved rabbi friends, emphasizing that the coming of the Messiah has transformed the understanding and application of the law. He argues that reverting to strict law-keeping can lead to spiritual bondage and undermines the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. Drawing on Eugene Peterson's insights, Katz highlights that the incarnation of Christ reshapes the function of Scripture, making it salvational in a way that was not possible before. He warns that failing to grasp the connection between the Old and New Testaments diminishes the glory of the faith and the witness to the Jewish community. Ultimately, Katz encourages believers to embrace the newness brought by Christ, which enhances their faith and walk.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now, after that ye have known God - After having been brought to the knowledge of God as your Savior. Or rather are known of God - Are approved of him, having received the adoption of sons. To the weak and beggarly elements - After receiving all this, will ye turn again to the ineffectual rites and ceremonies of the Mosaic law - rites too weak to counteract your sinful habits, and too poor to purchase pardon and eternal life for you? If the Galatians were turning again to them, it is evident that they had been once addicted to them. And this they might have been, allowing that they had become converts from heathenism to Judaism, and from Judaism to Christianity. This makes the sense consistent between the 8th and 9th verses.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
known God or rather are known of God--They did not first know and love God, but God first, in His electing love, knew and loved them as His, and therefore attracted them to the saving knowledge of Him (Mat 7:23; Co1 8:3; Ti2 2:19; compare Exo 33:12, Exo 33:17; Joh 15:16; Phi 3:12). God's great grace in this made their fall from it the more heinous. how--expressing indignant wonder at such a thing being possible, and even actually occurring (Gal 1:6). "How is it that ye turn back again?" weak--powerless to justify: in contrast to the justifying power of faith (Gal 3:24; compare Heb 7:18). beggarly--contrasted with the riches of the inheritance of believers in Christ (Eph 1:18). The state of the "child" (Gal 4:1) is weak, as not having attained manhood; "beggarly," as not having attained the inheritance. elements--"rudiments." It is as if a schoolmaster should go back to learning the A, B, C'S [BENGEL]. again--There are two Greek words in the original. "Ye desire again, beginning afresh, to be in bondage." Though the Galatians, as Gentiles, had never been under the Mosaic yoke, yet they had been under "the elements of the world" (Gal 4:3): the common designation for the Jewish and Gentile systems alike, in contrast to the Gospel (however superior the Jewish was to the Gentile). Both systems consisted in outward worship and cleaved to sensible forms. Both were in bondage to the elements of sense, as though these could give the justification and sanctification which the inner and spiritual power of God alone could bestow. ye desire--or "will." Will-worship is not acceptable to God (Col 2:18, Col 2:23).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But now, after that ye have known God, God in Christ, as their covenant God and Father, through the preaching of the Gospel, and in the light of divine grace; God having caused light to shine in their dark hearts; and having given them the light of the knowledge of himself in the face of Christ, and having sent down into their hearts the Spirit of his Son, crying "Abba", Father. Or rather are known of God; for it is but little that the best of these, that have the greatest share of knowledge, know of him; and what knowledge they have, they have it first, originally, and wholly from him: that knowledge which he has of them is particular, distinct, and complete; and is to be understood, not of his omniscience in general, so all men are known by him; but of his special knowledge, joined with affection, approbation, and care: and the meaning is, that they were loved by him with an everlasting love, which had been manifested in their conversion, in the drawing of them to himself, and to his Son; that he approved of them, delighted in them, had an exact knowledge, and took special care of them: but, oh, folly and ingratitude! how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto you desire again to be in bondage? meaning the ordinances of the ceremonial law, he before calls "the elements of the world", and here "weak", because they could not give life, righteousness, peace, joy, comfort, and salvation; and, since the coming of Christ, were become impotent to all the uses they before served; and beggarly, because they lay in the observation of mean things, as meats, drinks, &c. and which were only shadows of those good things, the riches of grace and glory, which come by Christ. The Galatians are said to turn again to these; not that they were before in the observation of them, except the Jews, but because there was some likeness between these, and the ceremonies with which they carried on the service of their idols; and by showing an inclination to them, they discovered a good will to come into a like state of bondage they were in before; than which nothing could be more stupid and ungrateful in a people that had been blessed with so much grace, and with such clear Gospel light and knowledge.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:9 now that you know God: Christians have a relationship with God that is like a child to a parent rather than a slave to a master (4:5-7). • why do you want to go back? Paul was perplexed (cp. 4:19-20) that Christians who had this standing would want to return to their old life of slavery. • now that God knows you: God is the agent of salvation and had taken the initiative in laying their souls bare (cp. Ps 139:1-6, 23-24; Luke 2:34-35; Heb 4:12) and forgiving them freely. • By turning to circumcision, the Galatians would be returning to the same useless spiritual principles of this world that they had known under paganism. In both cases, one must work to satisfy an unyielding master.