To Know and Be Known (Galatians 4:8-11)

SCRIPTURE

Galatians 4:8-11
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.

COMMENT

Formerly, prior to hearing the gospel, whether you were a pagan sinner worshiping at the temple or a really nice guy who did not drink or cuss, you did not know God and were enslaved by things that are not gods. That could be a temple prostitute, drugs, or material possessions. Now you know God, so things should be different. Rather, you are known by God. Interesting distinction. I think Paul states it this way because he wants to make it clear that God is the doer in salvation, not you or me.So if God has revealed Himself to you, and you have seen His glory, and know of His love, how can you go back to serving things that are not gods, things that will separate you from the one true God?

The Galatians appear to have gone back to trying to observe the laws. They were observing the rituals of the calendar, and enforcing those rituals on others. Paul again does not understand why they would change their thinking, going back to things other than grace. But don't we all tend to do exactly that? I cannot tell you how many times I have read something in Scripture that I have read before, only to think, "How could I have forgotten this?" or "Why didn't I remember this all along?" Silly human.

I do not believe that those God has granted salvation to can lose it. I also believe that not everyone who thinks they have been granted salvation have been. Regardless, those who have will want to stay vigilant. Those who have will want to honor and love God. Those who have will take words like these from Paul, and not be offended, but will humbly correct their behavior and honor the God they love.