1. Do not be enslaved by them again (8-11)

The Galatian Christians had allowed Judaizers to influence them into believing that they must add Jewish practices to their faith in order to be saved. So, they had to eat certain foods or celebrate certain festivals. Those 'weak and miserable forces' were destroying the Galatians' faith. Paul preached a pure gospel. Faith is all that is needed for salvation! Had Paul wasted his effort on them?

2. Become like me (12-20)

Paul pleaded with the Galatian Christians to become like him. That is, to come back to the pure gospel as he himself had taught them. The first time Paul visited them, he was ill. The Galatians welcomed him and took care of him. In return, Paul taught the gospel to them. This made it all the more perplexing to Paul that they had turned cool to him after meeting false teachers. Paul saw their zealousness, but they were zealous for the wrong thing. Paul was in pain for them as if in the pains of childbirth. He was praying for Christ to be formed in them.


Application: Lord, help me to watch out for false teachers. Make me zealous for the pure and unadulterated gospel of Jesus' death and resurrection.
One Word: Become like Paul