Galatians 4:1-3. 1I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.
Paul has already told us that the Jews were enslaved under the law. But what about the Gentiles? They were never under the Law of Moses, so were they ever really enslaved? And, for that matter, do they really need Christ to free them?
Answer: Yes. Why? Because they are still enslaved under something even bigger than the Law—the “elementary principles of the world.”
What on earth are the “elementary principles of the world?” This is one complex word in Greek—stoicheia. It can refer to the basics of any philosophy or subject of study—the “ABCs,” if you will. Stoicheia can also refer to the spiritual powers that control the elements of earth, wind, fire, and water. Pagan Gentiles would offer sacrifices to the gods of these elements in order to appease them. Because Paul equates the law with these stocicheia. we can rightly say that any system of self-salvation, whether through a false god or by following a basic principle of cause and effect, is stoicheia—weak and worthless elementary principles of the world.
And, yes, these “elementary principles” still trap us, even as Christians:
- The Christian who thinks they are better because of their political views.
- The Christian who thinks that financial planning will bring them peace.
- The Christian who thinks that staying busy makes them more valuable.
- The Christian who feels the need to compare themselves to others.
All of this and more are rooted in the “elementary principles of this world.” Why? Because they replace the person of Jesus with a principle to follow.
Both Jews and Gentiles were enslaved. Not to the law alone—in fact, only the Jews were enslaved to the law—but all mankind is enslaved to the elementary principles. But “to live is Christ” has rescued us and progressed us way past the world’s system of self-salvation. We no longer need to appease the gods or God. We no longer find salvation in ourselves and our own ability to decide what is “best for me.” Rather, we live released from the slavery of principles and free to live from the love of a person—Jesus Christ our Savior and Brother.
You: Where can you identify the elementary principles still at work in your life?
You in Christ: How is union with Christ different from following principles?
Christ in you: How might living from Christ’s love look different from trying to live from “Christian principles”?
Pray: Father, you have brought us out from under guardians and managers. The law and principles don’t love me like you do. Let your love set me free. Amen.
