Galatians 4:21
Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?
Truth to Learn
Those who would please God must do so through faith, not through obeying a set of rules and regulations.
Behind the Words
The word translated “desire” is a form of thelo which was pointed out in the previous verse as meaning “to will, wish, or desire, implying active volition and purpose.” This word means more than simple desire (which would be the Greek word boulomai) and is sometimes translated as “determine.” To illustrate the difference, imagine a child being given a dollar and told to buy whatever he or she wants. Though the child may desire (boulomai) many things, he or she will determine (thelo) what can be purchased for a dollar. We can see, therefore, that Paul is saying, “you who are determined to be under law.”
“Under the law” should actually be translated “under law” since there is no definite article in the Greek text. This, therefore, is not a reference to the Law of Moses but refers to any collection of required actions as a means of attaining holiness and acceptance with God.
Meaning Explained
Paul now abruptly changes his subject matter. He has been comparing his relationship with the Galatian Christians to the relationship that they had with the false teachers. Paul has expressed his tenderness and concern for their welfare whereas the false teachers were only interested in their own personal interests, not really caring for or about the Galatians.
He now goes back to the difference between the liberating simplicity of the gospel message and the imprisoning complexity of the message of the legalistic teachers. In this verse he begins an allegory equating being bound under a set of legal requirements with Ishmael, the son of Abraham through Hagar, and being free through the covenant of promise to Isaac, the son or Sarah. Ishmael was rejected by Abraham because he was not the son of promise whereas Isaac was accepted and blessed because he was the fulfillment of God’s promise.
Paul starts off this section of his letter with a rhetorical question. This question is addressed to “you who are determined to be under law.” Paul is pointing out to the Galatians that there is an inner drive of theirs which was compelling them to be under a strict set of rules and laws. This is an example of man’s attempt to please God through religion. No matter how strict the adherence to these rules and laws and no matter how sincere a person is in doing these things, he or she can not please God and can not be free.
The rhetorical question is, “do you not hear the law?” In other words, do you not hear what the law is telling you? Do you not understand how you are enslaving yourselves by trying to satisfy the requirements of the law? He will continue with his allegory in the following verses.
Application
Is it your desire to know God more completely and to live in a manner that will please Him? If so, then you must determine to do so through faith, not through obeying a set of rules or church ordinances.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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