Why Going Back to the Flesh Leads to Bondage in Galatians 4

In Galatians 4, the Apostle Paul continues to warn believers about turning back to the ways of the flesh after being set free through Christ. The Galatians had come to know God, yet some were slipping back into old patterns of belief and bondage. Paul’s words are both a correction and a reminder that faith in Jesus brings true freedom, while the old way only leads to captivity. Once we have experienced the truth of God, returning to what is not of Him only leads to confusion and loss.

Returning to Bondage

Paul asks a piercing question: “Now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces?” (Galatians 4:9). He could not understand why believers would choose bondage over freedom. The same warning still applies to us today. Once we have tasted truth, going back to the patterns and systems that do not come from God will only pull us away from His purpose.

Paul also reminds the Galatians that truth can sometimes offend. “Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16). Genuine correction should never be seen as hostility. Those who speak truth do so to guard others from deception, not to control them. But false teachers seek to pull believers away from the truth and lead them astray (Galatians 4:17–18). This is why we must stay grounded in what God has revealed, even when it challenges or convicts us.

Children of Promise, Not Slavery

Paul uses the story of Abraham to illustrate the difference between life by faith and life by the flesh. God promised Abraham a son, but He did not say when. In impatience, Sarah gave her servant Hagar to Abraham, and she gave birth to Ishmael. Later, God fulfilled His promise through Sarah, and Isaac was born. Ishmael represented what was done through human effort, while Isaac represented what was fulfilled through faith in God’s promise.

Hagar’s child was born into slavery, but Sarah’s child was born in freedom. Paul explains that this story symbolizes two covenants. The first, represented by Hagar, points to the law that produces bondage. The second, represented by Sarah, points to faith in Christ that produces freedom (Galatians 4:22–26). In Christ, we are children of the free woman. We are not bound by the law or by works of the flesh but are made heirs through the promise of faith.

Galatians 4 reminds us that true freedom is found only in Jesus Christ. To return to old patterns of control, fear, or self-reliance is to live as though we were never freed. The Apostle Paul’s words urge believers to remain firm in faith and to remember that they are children of promise, not slaves to what Christ has already broken.

Reflection Prompt: Have you been tempted to return to something God already freed you from?

If you want to take this reflection deeper, In His Voice, I Walk was created to help you write through moments like this. Use it to reflect on how God has freed you from old ways of thinking and to record how He is teaching you to live by faith as a true child of promise.