Desire to be Present because of Doubt Galatians 4:20 - Equipped for Battle

As we have studied through the book of Galatians thus far, we have noted the care and concern that Paul the apostle has for the church members located there. Since Judaizers have infiltrated their company with false teaching, Paul is wondering why they would stray from the gospel of grace and return to an attempt to keep the law. Paul wonders about them so greatly that we learn more of his ambitions toward them in chapter four and verse twenty where we read:

I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

In almost a desperate and longing tone Paul begins, “I desire to be present with you now,...” As a father with his spiritual children, Paul longs to be with the church members in Galatia. He has written many words to them thus far, and we can almost hear the concern in his words as we read carefully through what he writes. He wants to be with them, and the implication is that present conditions prohibit it right now. However, that does not stop his desire to be at their sides.

Paul continues, “...for I stand in doubt of you.” Paul at one time had confidence in what the believers in Galatia were relying upon, and now because of the Judaizers, Paul has serious doubts. It's as if he has heard that they have strayed from the truth, and he feels an urgency to be with them to correct it. He knows they knew what was right, and now he is not so sure they are standing upon it.

Have we taken time lately to really examine our own beliefs? Did we start out well but somehow get off track? If we had mentors who led us along the way, would they have serious doubts about the way we are believing now? Perhaps as we consider Paul's caring words to the Galatians we will think about whether or not he would be in doubt of us if he were to know the manner in which we believe. If we need to change and let all doubt disappear, today is a wonderful day to begin.

Next time we will see Paul challenge those who desire to be under the law, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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