Joyful Zeal

These are some thoughts as I was pondering Galatians 4:8-20. I pray you may find some benefit...

COMMANDS
* Become like Paul and be joyful
* they were joyful, and Paul became like they were before.
* they treated Paul like an Angel
* they would have poked their eyes out for him
TRUTHS
* A person does not know God before they embrace the gospel. A person is not known be God either.
* Before a person is a Christian, they are a slaves to weak and miserable principles of the world.
* like seeking acceptance from God through my works
* like seeking justification through law keeping
* When we share truth with others, we can become their enemies. If they are not willing to be unshackled from their slavery to sin, materialism, and humanism; Christianity can be seen as hateful. For it is the truth that sets us free.
* False teachers generally try to win you over to them. They wish to alienate us from the people who preach, share, and live the truth of Gods Word.
* Zeal is good, provided it is pointed at the right source, namely Jesus Christ and his truth. Zeal is also good if it is constant. It is not good to have zeal like a roller-coaster.
*A pastor's heart should be akin to labor pains when professing Christians are seeking and being led astray by another gospel.
EXHORTATIONS
* When we are loving and embracing toward those who share the truth of Christ, or other Christians; we are to treat them as if they were Jesus himself. And we are to do this joyfully.

WHAT CAN I TAKE FROM THIS?
* I not only know God, but I am known by God. I have been set free from my slavery to sin, and slavery to weak and miserable principles of personal autonomy, humanism, and materialism. This truth should produce a constant, zealous joy that is aimed at Jesus and his truth. My affections should not be determined by my circumstances. They should be rooted in the eternal God who knows and loves me.