“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God–or rather are known by God–how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again.” Galatians 4:8-9
Before a person accepts and follows Jesus he is a slave to sin. This is automatic with absolutely no control over whether this happens or not. Every person on this earth is born with a sinful lifestyle. They are born as a slave to sin and cannot stop it on their own.
The world is completely enslaved in sin. Every action in this world done by the world, can be found in based in sin. Many actions are easily seen as sinful, such as: adultery, murder, and theft. Others are not so clear, yet are still sin: greed, envy, hatred, gossip, cheating and many more. Even some things that appear good, are based in sin. There are some wealthy people who seem to give large amounts of money away. On the surface it looks like loving charity, underneath it is just for a tax write-off, greed.
Once a person turns to Jesus and chooses to follow Him, he is no longer a slave to sin. He has a new master–God. Sin has one power and that is to bring death. Jesus had the power over death. He can overcome death because He overcame it Himself.
Paul is asking the people of Galatia why they are turning back to sin. Why were they choosing to be enslaved by sin again? The world and it’s ways are weak and miserable compared to God’s power. The world cannot figure out how to beat death, while Jesus has already beaten death.
You know God and are known by God. God is the greatest power in the entire universe. Why would you want to go back to the things of this world? Who are you choosing to be a slave to?
You are either a slave to (following and obeying) the world and it’s ways or you are a slave to God. Don’t turn back to the weak powers. Keep your eyes and life focused on God. Serve and obey God in everything. He is the greater and best power.
I pray today that you will know God intimately; that you will allow yourself to be enslaved by God; that you will obey and serve God alone; and that you will not turn back to the world.
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