“But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?” – Galatians 4:8-9

Scripture reading: Galatians 4:1-11

Our basic Christian confession is that Jesus, God’s Son, is the only Saviour. This means that today we must take a stand, a personal stand of faith, a stand together as a church, in the midst of a society that demands compromise. This is true now, just as it was true for the new Christians in the little mission churches of Galatia.

The Apostle Paul was deeply concerned that there were those in the Galatian churches who had fallen into a dangerous error, Although they said that they believed in Jesus, still they thought that they needed, or at least could benefit from, the help of angels and other spiritual powers. They were placing themselves in bondage to beings that were by nature not “gods.”

There are many today who turn to the social gospel, who think that the world can be saved by nuclear disarmament, environmental action, UN declarations, and civil rights protests. They hope that such human efforts will save them. The question posed by the Apostle must be asked of them, “How is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?” Sinful human beings are always tempted to put faith and trust in someone or something other than the Lord.

There can be no compromise here. Either Jesus is the complete Saviour, or He is not the Saviour at all. Our calling is to put our full trust in Jesus alone, the complete Saviour.

Suggestions for prayer

Ask God for wisdom that you may recognize the dangers you face, when Satan tempts you to put your trust in anyone or anything other than Jesus.

Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.