Last week Mark graciously led us through the middle part of chapter 4. We talked about who the Galatians were, who they had become and unfortunately who they were becoming. It is who they were becoming that troubled their pastor, Paul, so very much as though it were the very pains of childbirth.9But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
19My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you
Surprisingly, who they were becoming was not all that much different from whom they once were, an idolatrous people, relying upon their good works to appease the gods that they worshipped. Now they were worshipping the God of Scripture, but were doing so in a way that still placed the idol of good works at the focal point of that worship. They were in danger of replacing the truth for a lie once again.
When we surrender our lives to Christ and make him the focal point of our worship we find that he too will transform us into his image. That is what happens to those of us who are known by God, who know God and who are obedient to his calling. To be transformed into the very image of our savior is one of the highest privileges of the Christian walk, and it is done so through the daily act of surrender. That is how grace comes, that is how the Gospel works and “how Christ is formed in you”.
That is the message of hope that we are to share with others as we long to see Christ formed in them as well. By being so intimately involved in their lives we open up opportunities to share this message and reflect the light of Christ to them. Do you have relationships like this? Is Christ being formed in you?
Next week we will be discussing Grace to the Barren at The Maynard's - 8146 Loch Raven Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21286. Please remember to bring a copy of the participants guide with you on Wednesday.
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