Leading the Way

Paul issue a challenge to the people of Galatia to become like him because he was like them. Now when you read that, it sure sounds confusing. Remember, he is speaking to people who were straying from a life of faith to one that attempted to keep the law to be justified. Paul is telling them, he also is a man of faith and not intent on the keeping to the law in order to find forgiveness from God. The group that had come to the Galatians were telling them their faith was good but.... they need to keep the balance of God’s law.
Paul is concern that simply because he has continued to preach the truth the Galatians are treating him like he was an enemy. However, Paul warns them that those who come with all those "requirements" aren’t coming because they care but they want to people under their control. This you be a warning to each one of us. We need to be alert to those that come with lists so that we will become "better Christians."

Gal 4:12-21
12 I beg of you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong; 13 but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; 14 and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself. Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them. 18 But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you — 20 but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. NASU

Is Christ being formed in you today? If that is true of you then you are leading the way for others.

Explore for yourself.

1. Why did Paul challenge the Galatians to become like him?
2. If Paul was not harmed who or what might be harmed?
3. How did the Galatians look upon Paul’s affliction?
4. How had the Galatians felt about Paul and the gospel message? What did they loose?
5. Why did Paul want to know if he was an enemy?
6. What is the ultimate purpose of those who seek us out? How should this challenge Christians?
7. How long did Paul labor among them? What would change his tone?