My Little Children Galatians 4:19 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle knew and expressed the importance of being zealously affected as long as it was in the truth. His passionate words to the church members in Galatia let us know that he was not only displeased with the false teachings of the Judaizers who infiltrated them, but also desired that they remember the way they were when he was with them. In chapter four and verse nineteen, we get a glimpse into the closeness that Paul felt to these church members where we read:

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

Paul first calls them, “My little children...”. Paul the apostle was like a spiritual father to these church members. He had presented the gospel of Jesus Christ to them and led them in the paths which would prevail in Christian living. They were like his kids, and anyone who has children they love know how much care is involved with them.

Paul continued, “of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,...” Paul loved the church members so much he was willing to work like a mother giving birth to her child a second time for them. If it took more time, more effort and more energy to help the Galatians have Christ formed in them, Paul was willing to spend and be spent. If we haven't heard the pathos in Paul until now, it should be very clear from these words. Paul, not only as apostle, not just as pastor, but as a father and mother cares so deeply for the Galatians that he is willing to sacrifice and make his work agenda be that of insuring Christ be formed in them.

Whom do we care for in such a manner as this? Is there any person or group of people to whom we feel we are as parents toward them spiritually? Natural relations are usually easy and normal when caring for people, but what about a group of people who are not relatives or next of kin? As we look further and further into Paul's words to the Galatian church members, perhaps our challenge and pray should be to be more caring about others within the kingdom of God. The question of the day might be, “Is there anyone or any group of people in the world for whom we would travail until Christ be formed in them?” If so, wonderful, and if not, maybe it should be our prayer.

Next time we will learn the reason Paul desires to be with the Galatians, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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