2 Corinthians 5:20-21 - Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Ephesians 6:19-20 - …and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Galatians 4:12 - I beg of you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are…
1 Corinthians 9:19-22 - For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.
I. Push Past Weakness (vv. 12b-15)
A. Courageously minister through weakness
Galatians 4:12-13 - …You have done me no wrong; but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time…
B. Allow weakness to drive you to Christ
Galatians 4:14-15 - …and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself. Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.
II. Speak Openly About Your Concerns and Warn Against Danger (vv. 16-18)
A. Sometimes it results in you being the enemy
Galatians 4:16 - So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?
B. Remember that others desire a following rather than your good
Galatians 4:17 - They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them.
C. Being sought is only good when the seeker pursues the right goal
Galatians 4:18 - But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you.
III. Pursue the Goal: Christ Is Formed in You (v. 19-20)
A. Knowing that it could be painful, if not crushing, to your heart
Galatians 4:19 - My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you…
B. Knowing that you may or may not be able to have a personal conversation
Galatians 4:20 - …but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
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