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

Galatians 3:15-29.  This is so cool.  If you remember the setting of the book (The “Intro to Galatians” page) many if not most of the believers in the region of Galatia were Gentiles or non’-Jews.  Jewish believers from Jerusalem were following Paul around telling these new Christians that they needed to follow the “customs of Moses”,  the Old Testament law, and it was making a lot of trouble.  The Jews trace their spiritual heritage back to Abraham (The “Old Testament Connection” page). So Paul uses Abraham’s story to show that the Law is not what makes us right with God.  If you read the Old Testament Connection you would know that the Law was given to Moses way after Abraham lived, 430 years later.  So when God “blessed” Abraham and made promises to Abraham they could not have been based on the Law.  Paul is saying a promise is a promise and God does not change His promises.  In verses 19-24 Paul tells us that the Law was give as a reminder of our sin until Jesus came to deal with it.  When I drive around I have a speedometer and there are Speed Limit signs on the freeway and streets.  When I pass one I usually look at my speedometer.  If I am going over the speed limit I am reminded that I am breaking the law.  It’s easy to get caught up in the flow of traffic an just go with those around me.  But the speedometer is reminding me.  And there can be consequences if I get caught, $300-400 of consequences and my insurance can go up. And the police usually have no mercy.  to keep myself out of trouble, especially on the freeway, I like to use the cruise control, the computer in the truck keeps me going just the right speed, I need that help.  In our spiritual life God has give us the Bible as our speed limit signs and  He always sees us when we get caught up in the flow of the world.   He won’t ignore spiritual speeding (sin) either but he is merciful and has paid the price of our sins.  That is what Jesus the promised “seed of Abraham” did on the cross.  When we take God up on His offer of forgiveness He does something really cool and installs a “cruise control” in our spiritual lives, the Holy Spirit (we will learn more of this in chapter 5).  That’s what God does for his children who put their faith in Jesus.  One other thing.  Many people in the world think that Christianity is a “white mans religion” and that Christianity is an anti-woman religion.  Well this relationship we have with God through Jesus (Who wasn’t white by the way) is for every every one regardless of color, age, sex, culture, or place in society.    God made us with all of our differences and He loves us all.  John said in 1 John 2:2 that Jesus paid the price for our sins and not just ours but the whole worlds.  Jesus said that he was the way, the truth, and the life and that no one can come to the father except through him (John 14:6).  Do you believe that?  Have you put your faith in Jesus as the only way to have a right relationship with God?  If you have then you are God’s child if not think about it, soon.  In Hebrews we are told that “it is appointed for man to die once (Physically, See “The Old Testament Connection”) then comes judgement” (Hebrews 9:27). We never know for sure that we will make it to tomorrow but today there is a possibility of becoming a part of God’s family (Hebrew 4:1-3; 7) God thank you for taking care of my sins.  Thank you for installing a “cruise control” in my life.  help we program it with all of the information that you’ve given me in the Bible and let it (your Spirit) have control.