Galatians 4:8-11 —Jesus=Name Brand

READ THIS: Galatians 4:8-11

8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11 I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
 
WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

Brace yourselves for this analogy that might just expose me for being weird, but I'm going to pretend it's one of those things everyone has experienced. 

You know when you use really horrible toilet paper for a long time? The really thin stuff that breaks when you touch it? And then you finally get to use some quality stuff like Charmin Ultra Soft? You have this moment where you decide you will never purposefully use anything less quality ever again. Then, your friends are using horrible toilet paper, and you introduce them to Charmin. They completely agree with you, and buy some Charmin. Then, two months later, you visit them and they only have the horrible toilet paper again, and you feel like the whole conversation two months ago was a total waste. 

That's the feeling Paul has right here. He showed these people Jesus and how He gives grace, and they turned back to the special things attached to the law even though it just simply isn't as good. It's frustrating  and confusing. It's like a prisoner choosing to wear handcuffs for the rest of his/her life when someone has already unlocked them!

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Is there anything that you choose to use/eat that just isn't as good as something else? Why do you choose that less good thing?

2. Why does Paul emphasize that the Galatians are KNOWN by God, not just that they know God?
 
TRY THIS:

Ask someone today what is one thing that HAS to be name brand for them that they will never get another brand or store brand for. (Liz=Duke's Mayonnaise....will never get store brand mayo. Dan=Cheezits....will never get store brand cheese squares).  

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