Paul’s Anguish

Galatian Liberty • Galatians 4:12-20 • June 26, 2022 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

Paul appealed to the Galatians to follow his example. He was a dedicated Jew but now believes that justification is by faith alone through Christ. Paul lived free of the law, which enslaved him. After expressing his deep concern for the Galatians, Paul spoke to them about their shared experience, how they helped him during a crisis, and how they received him as a messenger of God.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 

Galatians 4:12-20 ESV

12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Notes

Paul appealed to the Galatians to follow his example. He was a dedicated Jew but now believes that justification is by faith alone through Christ. Paul lived free of the law, which enslaved him. After expressing his deep concern for the Galatians, Paul spoke to them about their shared experience, how they helped him during a crisis, and how they received him as a messenger of God.

  1. Personal Appeal
    Paul reminded them of when he first proclaimed the gospel to them. The Galatians welcomed him even though he was suffering. Perhaps they were tempted to reject him, but they cared for and respected him (4:12-14).
    12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?

  2. False Teachers
    Paul exposed the false teachers who tried to win the Galatians. They seemed friendly, but their intentions were not good, which was to separate them from Paul. There was nothing wrong with them being nice if there was a good reason (4:17-18).
    17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you,

  3. Pain of Labor
    Paul expressed his anguish as if he was experiencing the pain of giving birth until Christ was formed in the Galatians. He longed to visit them in person and hopefully change his firm tone (4:19-20).
    19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Application

  1. Gospel and Relationships
    Paul appealed to the Galatians to become like him, who was free of the Mosaic law. He also reminded the Galatians of their kindness when Paul proclaimed the gospel. Let us live the gospel and remind others, including the bonds formed.

  2. False Teachers Exposed
    Paul exposed the false intentions of the false teachers. They were friendly with the intention to make the Galatians believe in the distorted gospel and to separate them from Paul. Beware of all who distort the gospel.

  3. Travail
    Let us pray earnestly and labor wholeheartedly that Christ and His gospel would be fully formed in ourselves, family members, and churchmates. Let us intensify our labor like a woman who is giving birth.

Reflection & Discussion

  1. Explain the previous encounters of Paul with the Galatians.

  2. How did Paul describe those who preached a distorted gospel?

  3. Why did Paul experience anguish in childbirth? What does this mean to us?