How does Galatians 4:8 describe our past relationship with "those who by nature"?

Our Former Bondage to Non-Gods

“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.” (Galatians 4:8)

• Before meeting Christ, we were spiritually ignorant: “did not know God.”

• In that ignorance we “were slaves”—under the power and control of idols and demonic forces posing as deities.

• The objects of our devotion were “not gods” by nature—powerless, lifeless, created things (cf. Psalm 115:4-8).

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Scripture Echoes of Our Idolatrous Past

• Deuteronomy 32:16-17 — Israel “sacrificed to demons, not to God.”

• Isaiah 44:9-20 — a vivid picture of crafting and worshiping worthless idols.

• 1 Corinthians 12:2 — “when you were pagans, you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.”

• 1 Thessalonians 1:9 — turning “to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”

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Freedom in Christ

• Galatians 4:9 contrasts the past: now we know God—and are known by Him—so returning to slavery makes no sense.

• Colossians 1:13 — He “rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son.”

• John 8:36 — “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Our past relationship with “those who by nature are not gods” was one of ignorant enslavement; now, in Christ, that bondage is broken and we serve the living God.