Connect360: Where Is Your Joy?

• Lesson 8 in the Connect360 unit “A Cry for Freedom: Grace That Is Still Amazing” focuses on Galatians 4:12-20.

Paul had been instructing the Galatians for chapters now on the truth of the gospel. In our text for this lesson, Paul got personal.

When I was an undergraduate, one of my favorite professors taught a ministry preparation course. After the first exam, grades were not what he (or any of us) deemed acceptable. Instead of berating and belittling the class of fledging ministers, the professor simply asked what he could do to improve his teaching because he knew we were giving it our all in the classroom as we were all called to the gospel ministry.

This humble way of teaching was so profound and impactful. He showed us the importance of working together for a common goal. My professor was willing to humble himself, learning from his students and working hard for the sake of our class; all he asked was the same from us in return.

Paul took a similar approach with his Galatian brothers and sisters. He took on their Gentile lifestyle so nothing would hinder the gospel; an approach Paul had taken often (1 Corinthians 9:20–22). In doing so, Paul developed an intimate friendship with these Galatian believers. Paul had been teaching about what they must believe. His message shifts now to what they are to do about these radical beliefs—how they are to behave. In verse 12, we find the very first imperative request in the entire book: “Become like me.”

Paul also noted that the joy of friendship means not only taking on the traits of each other, but also finding joy in making sacrifices for one another. Reliance on others can be humbling, but for friends, making a sacrifice—driving across town to pick-up a friend at the airport, or helping with a move from an apartment or a house—is done joyfully because there is joy in shared life.

This is what had Paul so upset. Joy is at stake—the Galatians have sidestepped the gospel and in doing so, run the risk of losing the joy of their salvation. Paul pointed back in time to a difficult time for the apostle, a great illness or injury that brought him to Galatia in the first place. There is much speculation as to what this trauma might be—several scholars point to the scars and injuries of persecution that would have put Paul in a position of dependence on the Galatians for care and safety.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.