Galatians 4:1-20.  This passage seems a little confusing to me but here is what I think is going go.  in verses 1-7 Paul continues the though from before (Remember that this is a letter.  Also the chapter divisions were not part of the letter when it was originally written.  Chapter and verse divisions were added to most of the Bible later on to make it easier to study.).  By faith they had become children of God.  The proof is the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives who gives them the ability to call God, daddy (Abba).  In verses 8-10 Paul wants to know why they are turning back to “religion”.  They are part of the family they do not need to follow a calendar of rituals.  In verses 11-15 is where it gets a little hard for me but if I keep in mind that there are “Judiazers” (See Intro to Galatians) trying to get them to start following the Old Testament Law and that some of them actually are going down that path then it starts to make more sense.  First in verses 11 Paul is upset, he is afraid that they are turning away from God’s gift to them starting to think they need to earn their way into God’s family.  Remember back in Galatians 2:20 that we live because of what Jesus did not what we do and that we are part of God’s family by faith in Jesus.  So it’s a big deal to turn around and start trying to earn our way into Heaven.  I think in verses 12-15 when Paul talks about wanting them to be like him and about some illness that he had when he came before that he is reminding them that when you follow God it does not mean that there will not be trouble and suffering in your life.  I’m sure there was plenty of trouble from these people that were coming around trying to get them to follow the Law.  In some cases it could have been family turning their back on you, but that would be more for Jew that had become Christians.  For these Gentile believers it was probably more the doubts that were being put in their heads about their spiritual future.  Verses 16-20  seem to be Paul encouraging them not to turn their back on him just to please these trouble makers.  If I had to pick one verse it would be 13.  Some times it is the trials in life that get us where God wants to use us.  Also in verse 18 Paul seems to say that it’s ok if others approve of what you are doing we just need to be sure that what we are doing is something that pleases God.  That sort of brings the whole thing back in a circle, don’t do things to get to Heaven but do things because you are gong to Heaven.  Let you life be a life on appreciation to God.  Lord help me please you today in what I do.  I don’t want to run around being offensive to those around me but I do want to do what makes you happy.  Thank you for making me part of your family and thank you that that does not depend on what I can do.  Help me listen to the Spirit when he is pointing me to you, Father.  Thank you for Him.