What does "known by God" in Galatians 4:9 imply about our relationship? Setting the Scene “ 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 principles? Do you want to be enslaved by them all over again?” (Galatians 4:9) The Weight of Being “Known” •“Known” (Greek: ginōskō) goes beyond information; it speaks of personal, covenantal recognition—God’s deliberate claim upon a person. •This is the same sense found in 1 Corinthians 8:3—“But the one who loves God is known by God.” •It echoes Jesus’ words in John 10:14: “I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me.” Initiated by God, Not Us •Galatians 4:9 gently corrects the idea that our relationship starts with our pursuit—“or rather are known by God.” •Supporting texts: –Ephesians 1:4–5: God “chose us… predestined us for adoption.” –Romans 8:29: “Those God foreknew He also predestined.” •The emphasis: salvation is rooted in God’s proactive love, not in human effort or religious rule-keeping. Relational Adoption, Not Religious Duty •The immediate context (Galatians 4:4–7) speaks of adoption: “You are no longer a slave but a son.” •Being “known by God” means He welcomes us into His household, not as servants on probation but as children with full rights. •This turns obedience from burdensome law-keeping into grateful family living (cf. 1 John 3:1). Assurance and Security •2 Timothy 2:19: “The Lord knows those who are His.” •John 10:27–29: those the Shepherd knows “will never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand.” •If God’s knowledge establishes the relationship, human failure can’t annul it; our confidence rests in His faithfulness (Philippians 1:6). Identity and Freedom •Paul’s concern: the Galatians are trading a God-given identity for slavery to “weak and worthless principles.” •When God knows us, idols, law-performance, and cultural pressures lose their power to define us. •Galatians 5:1 captures the thrust: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Living in Light of Being Known •Cultivate intimacy—spend regular time in Scripture and prayer, not to earn favor but to enjoy the relationship (Psalm 139:1–6). •Reject legalism and idolatry—anything that promises status or security outside of God’s fatherly knowledge (Colossians 2:20–23). •Walk in the Spirit—since we are family, we bear family likeness: love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22–25). Takeaway “Known by God” in Galatians 4:9 is a declaration of divine initiative, covenant adoption, unshakable assurance, and liberating identity. Our task is simply to live as the securely loved children He already knows us to be. |
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