1. The passage discusses Paul's concern that the Galatians are returning to observance of the Law and Jewish customs instead of relying on their faith in Christ. 2. Paul argues that through faith in Christ, believers are no longer under guardians and managers like the Law, but are sons of God. 3. He pleads with the Galatians not to turn back to following weak and worthless principles of the world, and instead to fully embrace their identity in Christ.

1. Don’t Look
Back!
Galatians 4:1-20

2. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came,
in order that we might be justified by faith. But now
that faith has come, we are no longer under a
guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God,
through faith. For as many of you as were baptized
into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew
nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no
male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s
offspring, heirs according to promise.
Quick Review
2

3. Cliff Notes
The Law
Faith
Baptized
No difference
Heirs
3

4. Don’t Look
Back!
Galatians 4:1-20

5. Our Text
I mean that the heir, as long as he is a
child, is no different from a slave, though
he is the owner of everything, but he is
under guardians and managers until the
Galatians 4:1–7 5

6. Our Text
date set by his father. In the same way we
also, when we were children, were
enslaved to the elementary principles of
the world. But when the fullness of time
Galatians 4:1–7 6

7. Our Text
had come, God sent forth his Son, born of
woman, born under the law, to redeem
those who were under the law, so that we
might receive adoption as sons. And
Galatians 4:1–7 7

8. Our Text
because you are sons, God has sent the
Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying,
“Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a
Galatians 4:1–7 8

9. Our Text
slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir
through God.
Galatians 4:1–7 9

10. Exodus Story
God called Moses to lead Israel out of slavery in Egypt into
freedom, to inherit the promised land. After a long period of
waiting, already predicted in Genesis 15, the time of fulfilment
came: God sent Moses to redeem his people, that is, to
purchase their freedom from slavery. This was also to
demonstrate that, as Moses said to Pharaoh, ‘Israel is my son,
my firstborn.’ Freedom was secured through Passover, with the
sacrifice of the lambs and the slaying of Egypt’s firstborn. Then,
when the people had left Egypt, they came to Sinai, 40 days
after Passover; and they were given the law as their guide
through the wilderness to their inheritance.
10

11. Parallel Exodus
We were children
Enslaved
Fullness of time
God sent
Law abiding
Redeemed
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12. Jesus Sent
to redeem those who were
under the law, so that we might
receive adoption as sons.
Galatians 4:5 12

13. Another Sending
And because you are sons, God has
sent the Spirit of his Son into our
hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
Galatians 4:6 13

14. Full Rights as
Sons

15. See yourself as God see you
So you are no longer a slave, but a
son, and if a son, then an heir
through God.
Galatians 4:7 15

16. You are seen as
Not in bondage
Son of God
Heir of Abraham
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17. Old life
Formerly, when you did not know
God, you were enslaved to those that
by nature are not gods.
Galatians 4:8 17

18. A
spooky
look
back
Ignorant
Not gods?
18

19. The Change
But now that you have come to
know God, or rather to be
known by God,
Galatians 4:9a 19

20. Important doublet
Know
Known
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21. Legalism not Paganism
how can you turn back again to the weak and
worthless elementary principles of the world,
whose slaves you want to be once more?
Galatians 4:9b 21

22. Sliding into legalism
You observe days and months and
seasons and years! I am afraid I may
have labored over you in vain.
Galatians 4:10–11 22

23. What he is saying
Observance was baptism and Lord’s Table
Jewish feast was part of the Law
Pagan cults do the same
Caesar cult did it should have no attractions for
you. You are at the cutting edge of the new
creation. Why turn back to the old?
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24. Paul’s heart felt plea
Galatians 4:12–15 (ESV)
12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have
become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it
was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel
to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to
you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as
an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become
of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible,
you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to
me.
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25. Heart Ache
Have I then become your enemy
by telling you the truth?
Galatians 4:16 25

26. The Judizers
They make much of you, but for no good
purpose. They want to shut you out, that
you may make much of them.
Galatians 4:17 26

27. Kinda like mean girls
Make you observe the Torah
The observance is not needed
Excluded from their worship
Hold them as super holy
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28. Correct in love
It is always good to be made much of for a
good purpose, and not only when I am
present with you, my little children, for
whom I am again in the anguish of
Galatians 4:18–20 28

29. Correct in love
childbirth until Christ is formed in you! I
wish I could be present with you now and
change my tone, for I am perplexed about
you.
Galatians 4:18–20 29

30. A father’s heart
 I don’t want to be
harsh
 I want you to identify
with the Messiah
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31. Our Take-Away
1. Don’t go back to the old.
2. One table for everyone.
3. Show you know and are known.
4. Put aside anything that drags you backwards.
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32. Don’t Look
Back!
Galatians 4:1-20