Until You Bear the Likeness of Christ

Summary: Paul shifts from argument to a personal appeal. He urges the believers to become like him, because he has become like them, and he assures them that they have not wronged him. He reminds them of their earlier relationship: when he first preached to them, it was during a time of physical weakness, yet they did not treat him with contempt. Instead, they welcomed him warmly - receiving him as they would an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus - and he recalls how eager they once were to honor him, as if they would have given up even their own eyes for his sake. From that memory, Paul moves to a painful question: if he now speaks the truth to them, has he become their enemy? He then contrasts his own concern with the actions of others who are influencing them. Those people show intense interest in the Galatians, but Paul says their zeal is not for the Galatians’ good; rather, it aims to shut them out so that the Galatians will become devoted followers of them instead. Paul acknowledges that zeal can be good, but only when it is directed toward what is good - and not merely when he is physically present with them. He closes with a deeply emotional image: he calls them his children and says he is again in labor for them until Christ is formed in them. He expresses his wish that he could be with them in person and adjust his tone because he feels bewildered and uncertain about where they now stand.   Teaching: To treat pastors or those who teach the Word well is itself a blessing - do not treat them recklessly. Even if they are the same kind of person, the Bible teaches that the person God has established is different. When you treat them carelessly, blessing leaves. You must treat the one who delivers the Word well and accept the Word just as it is. Paul is not saying, “Serve me,” but “Accept the gospel.” When you accept the gospel, you end up serving the one who delivers the gospel, and when you serve the one who delivers the gospel, you end up accepting the gospel. Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Mar 4, 2026 Galatians 4:12-20