It Starts Small

¹² I beg you, brothers and sisters: Become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have not wronged me; ¹³ you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a weakness of the flesh. ¹⁴ You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you. On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus himself.

Galatians 4:12-14

I beg of you

Here we see once more the profound depth of Paul’s love for the Galatians. His love is anything but indifferent. He does not adopt a “take it or leave it” attitude; his heart beats fervently for their souls. Paul is not simply preaching the gospel due to a sense of obligation. His urgency shows his deep care for them. With every word, he pleads passionately. He urges them to turn back to God. He longs for their embrace of truth and grace. We must remain vigilant. We must ensure that our own hearts are ignited with the same fervor and care. This is important for those with whom we share this precious message.

The dire state of those around us should ignite a fire within us to pray fervently. Their eternal fate, separated from Christ, should deeply unsettle our hearts. This reality must occupy our thoughts constantly! We cannot simply proclaim the gospel and walk away, thinking our responsibility has ended; that is far from enough! Yes, while we may not always sway them, we must never lose hope or cease our efforts for them!

Become as I am for I have become as you are

Become as I am

This message calls for an urgent surrender of reliance on our own deeds. I wholeheartedly believe this is necessary. We must also abandon the false sense of righteousness that Paul had bravely cast aside. They must awaken to the profound truth that Paul had already embraced. Human effort alone cannot offer the salvation they so desperately seek. Good works are insufficient for true salvation.

For I have become as you are

²² To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.

1 Corinthians 9:22

Paul passionately immersed himself in their lives. He embraced their customs, savored their food, and found refuge in their homes. His heart was full of love. He became one of them. He was driven by the fervent desire to lead them to Christ. Paul transformed himself outwardly to connect with them deeply. This way, they could experience the profound change he had found inwardly. In previous passages, he wielded logic and presented compelling arguments. He passionately urged them to understand that true justification comes only through faith. It does not come through their deeds.

Here, he passionately invokes his deep personal bond with them, proclaiming, “Reflect on our shared history. Remember every moment I’ve spent in your company. Recall all the sacrifices and efforts I’ve made for you. I am your ally, not your adversary. My greatest desire is your well-being. If my arguments fail to move you, let the love, compassion, and the profound connection we’ve forged guide you instead.”

What is Paul teaching us?

Firstly, we must wholeheartedly embrace Paul’s ministry example! It’s crucial that we immerse ourselves among those we serve, building genuine connections. Our habits, language, and dress should reflect sensitivity and respect to avoid any offense.

Secondly, let’s fiercely remember our ultimate goal! It’s not merely about blending in. We aim to resonate with those we minister to. We outwardly adapt as a powerful means to an extraordinary end. Our passion drives us to see their salvation as the ultimate victory! We earnestly desire for them to become like us, sharing in the joy and fulfillment we have found!

We must guard against merely adopting the outward appearance of the world while neglecting the profound change within! Some churches, in their pursuit to reach the lost, have dived headfirst into the world’s ways. Let me be clear. If we conform to the world’s standards, we rob ourselves of the very essence that draws them in. We will have nothing unique about us to ignite their hearts and souls! We must remain steadfast in our identity, shining brightly as beacons of hope and truth! Christ is a rock of offense. The gospel offends people, but our behavior and attitude should not.

You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition

God intricately weaves every aspect of our lives into a magnificent tapestry for good. Even in the depths of suffering, illness, disasters, and disease, God fervently works to fulfill His divine purposes. At that moment, Paul’s illness may have appeared utterly disheartening. His suffering was undeniably intense and disruptive, enough to derail his ministry aspirations. But what remarkable good could possibly arise from such profound anguish? The answer is staggering!

The church at Galatians was passionately forged in the fires of Paul’s own struggles. He sought refuge there to heal from his illness. Scholars reveal that Paul’s affliction may have been caused by the oppressive wet climate. He experienced this while ministering in coastal lowlands. But Galatia, with its lofty altitude, offered a breath of fresh air. The invigorating coolness and dryness provided a sanctuary for his rejuvenation and strength.

Let us pause a moment.

Can you give examples of a situation that you thought was bad news? Or maybe it was painful? It later turned out to be good for you.

Sometimes, in the midst of our trials, we may find ourselves gazing back in awe. We recognize the undeniable hand of God steering us through life’s most arduous moments. Yet there are times, too, when the purpose behind our suffering remains shrouded in mystery. Even in those uncertainties, we must hold onto the truth that God orchestrates everything with intention and purpose. He intricately weaves our hardships into a tapestry of growth and testifies to our good.

Do you have faith in that profound truth?

It’s so effortless to proclaim our faith when life is a breeze. In the face of hardship, that’s when true belief truly matters! In those challenging moments, we must cry out to God, “Lord, I’m struggling to grasp why this is happening! My heart is heavy with pain. Yet, I steadfastly choose to trust in You! Deep down, I know You have a magnificent purpose for allowing this trial. Therefore, I refuse to complain; instead, I will embrace joy and place my unwavering faith in You!” (See Psalms 118:8, Isaiah 12:2, and Romans 15:13.)

Are you facing a trial? How can you apply what you have learned in

was a trial for you

Paul’s physical condition was indeed a profound trial for the Galatians. He likely required their unwavering care during his illness. This situation may have cast a shadow over his spirit. We all understand how, in moments of sickness, we often don’t shine at our brightest. Our bodies, no longer under our command, succumb to the whims of a relentless virus. If you’ve ever shared a home with someone gravely unwell, you can truly empathize with this struggle. The atmosphere can become heavy, and the experience is anything but pleasant.

But the Galatians were not turned away by Paul or his affliction. On the contrary, they welcomed him with open hearts, as if he were an angel or even Christ Himself. Paul passionately appeals to the kindness and love they had previously shown him. In those earlier days, they adored him, caring for him even at his most unlovable moments. Could they truly allow the deceit of false teachers to sway their hearts now? Are they treating Paul as though he were an enemy?

What can you learn from this?

We can draw profound inspiration from the Galatians’ heartfelt kindness toward Paul. Simultaneously, we must embrace every opportunity to passionately plead with those around us to return to the Lord. In this powerful letter, Paul employs nearly every imaginable argument. He fervently urges the Galatians to place their unwavering faith solely in Christ. He encourages them not to rely on their own works.

¹⁵ but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

1 Peter 3:15

We must fervently stand up and defend the unwavering hope that ignites our souls! This book challenges us to arm ourselves with at least ten powerful arguments for that hope! When we face setbacks, we will persevere with relentless determination.

This unwavering spirit compels us never to give up on others.

If a brother or sister strays into sin, we must persistently strive to guide them back. We should envelop them in prayer and heartfelt appeals. If your child has wandered from God, hold on to hope with every fiber of your being. When you truly love someone, you will believe in their potential for transformation. You trust that, through God’s grace, they will inevitably return to Him. The story of Hosea exemplifies this steadfast love; he refuses to abandon his wife. Let us embody that same relentless spirit of persistence that Hosea and Paul demonstrated!

Is there someone you know who has fallen away from God?
How can you renew your love and hope for them?

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Cross References:

• Philippians 3:4-10
• Acts 13:42-50
• 1 Corinthians 9:22
• Psalms 118:8
• Isaiah 12:2
• Romans 15:13
• 1 Peter 3:15
• Hosea

Questions to Ponder:

• What kind of attitude does Paul adopt toward the Galatians?
• Why does he use such strong words like “beg”?
• What can we learn from Paul’s attitude?
• What does he mean, “Become as I am, for I also have become as you are”?
• What was Paul struggling with when he preached the gospel to the Galatians originally?
• Why is this important?
• How did the Galatians treat him initially? Why does Paul remind them of this?
• What can we learn from Paul’s relationship with the Galatians?
• How can we try to form the same type of relationship with those that we share with?

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