Point: By the chisel of gracious conflict, Christ’s image is formed in you.

I.  Gracious conflict is a tender LOVE. (4:8-20)

1. Paul’s concern for the Galatians (8-11):
2. Paul’s history with the Galatians (12-14):
3. Paul’s questions to the Galatians (15-16):

Galatians 4:8-20, 

8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.   12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of the blessing you felt? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Community Group Questions:

1. Recount a story when you have been confronted and it resulted in positive change? 

2. Paul was concerned that the Galatians were worse off because they were unable to see their works righteousness after have received the light of the gospel.  Calvin said, “You were then wandering in darkness; but how disgraceful it is that now, in the midst of light, you should stray so horribly… the Galatians were less excusable for corrupting the Gospel than they had formerly been for idolatry.” How would you say that Christians are worse off if they remain in works righteousness once they have heard and believed the truth of grace?

3. What usually prevents you from confronting someone you love?  What root idol is at play?

4. How can you see that idol for what it is and begin to move toward this person in truth and love?  

5. What practical wisdom do you draw from Paul as a case study of how to confront someone in love and truth?