Temptation comes from three sources: The world. The flesh. The devil (Ephesians 2:1-3). While all three of these sources are involved in temptation, one will lead the way. Today, let’s focus on the times when the world takes the lead.

Galatians 4:3-5
In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

The “elementary principles of the world” (or “basic principles”) are things common to us, things that unify us. These “elementary principles” include politics, where people rally around a party and a platform, nationalism, sports, philosophies, and religions. Today, we see newsfeeds of people marching in city streets to protest what they deem wrong or unfair. Their solidarity is based on commitment to a cause or hatred of others. In our alienation from God and spiritual immaturity, we grasp onto “elementary principles” with passion. In fact, Paul says that we are enslaved to them.

But God sent the Light into the darkness.

At just the right time, “God sent forth his Son” to redeem and adopt us. The word “redeem” means to purchase out of slavery. We were servants to the “elementary principles” held tight by things that impassioned our hearts. Then Jesus came to purchase our freedom from darkness and adopt us into the family of light.

God sent Jesus to earth during a time of great spiritual searching. Old religions were dying. Old philosophies were empty and powerless. There was a religious bankruptcy and hunger.[1] The same could be said about today. Anything based on the “elementary principles of the world” leaves people empty and frustrated, stumbling in darkness.

But the Light came to do his work—to call you out of the darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

Father,
The things of the world are appealing and attractive. They give us a false sense of acceptance and community. But show us the darkness that surrounds us when we are impassioned by temporal things. Show us your light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

[1]  Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 706). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.