Paul is in anguish. He has said clearly that the false teachers, the ones trying to convince the Galatians that faith in Christ is not enough (Galatians 2:4), are just using the Galatians to make much of themselves (Galatians 4:17). In contrast, Paul now compares himself to a mother in childbirth. He calls the Galatians his dear, little children. His concern for them is genuine, not a ploy to call attention to himself. Instead, his heart is breaking for them as he is, once again, attempting to deliver the essence of Christ’ presence in the believers. This metaphor of childbirth is not meant to communicate that Paul is the one who has saved the Galatians. Only faith in Christ can cause a person to be born again. Here, Paul is describing his own emotional experience in suffering and celebrating for the rebirth of the Galatians as they put their faith in Christ.
Paul‘s words show his suffering for them and his plea to rescue them from the false teaching of the Judaizers. He urges them to fully trust the gospel of Christ and their salvation through Him. Paul describes the suffering as a moment of childbirth, until Christ is formed in them. This is a picture Paul paints in his other letters, as well. "Christ in you" is the "hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). "…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" (Ephesians 3:17). The picture is of Christ becoming so prominent in us that He begins to do His work in the world through us, along with all the others in whom He is formed. It's not about us and our works, as the false teachers said; it's about Him and His work in us. Even in our own hearts, Christ must increase and we must decrease (John 3:30).
Paul had a clear goal for new followers of Christ. He wants them to come to full maturity in Christ (see Colossians 1:28-29). He knew the Holy Spirit would help them in this process if they would believe in their hearts and recognize Jesus as their Savior. As such, that the seeker of Christ begins to reflect Jesus-likeness in their lives (2 Corinthians 3:18). So, as we go through our daily activities, let's invite Jesus Christ to come to live in us and change us into His likeness.
PLEASE PRAY WITH ME: Holy and Righteous God, may the presence of Jesus increase in my attitude, behavior, and speech and may what is worldly and warped decrease. May this be true today, but even more, dear Father, may it be more clearly seen each day. In the name of my Savior and goal, Jesus, I pray. AMEN.
GOD BLESS YOU.
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