AUGUST 18, 2025 – BIRTH PAINS

READ: Gal. 4:17–20: … they want to exclude you … My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you … 

Paul writes about the Judaizers, who are having such a destructive influence on the Galatians. He has no kind words for them. Their intentions are not good. They show a zealous eagerness in trying to win over the Galatians.

At the same time, they seek to shut out Paul and his fellow brothers (v. 2) , so that they no longer have access to the Galatian churches. In doing so, these churches would be cut off from the communion of saints and even from the gospel of free grace and the Kingdom of Christ. What will become of them then?

Paul is deeply concerned. Their eternal salvation is at stake. He does clarify: zeal itself is good but it must be zeal for what is good. That cannot be said of these zealots.

Paul wants to express his deep affection for the Galatians and speaks to them tenderly: “My dear children.” He feels entitled to say this because of the effect his preaching has had on them. Even now, he longs to win them back again through the gospel, so that Christ may be formed in them once more.

The recent developments among the Galatians cause Paul great pain and grief. He compares his situation to a mother in labor. He feels as though he must give birth to them all over again—through a radical conversion from the wrong path. Only through such a return can they once again be a visible letter of Christ and reflect His image.

Paul’s urgent appeal must be brief. He would have preferred to speak with them at greater length. Then he could have used a gentler tone to encourage them. But for now, he must express his deep concerns and doubts in words of admonition.

How often do we need conversion?

Sing: Ps. 75:3,6