Matthew Henry Commentary Galatians 4:8-11

"Howbeit at that time, not knowing God, ye were in bondage to them that by nature are no gods: but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again? Ye observe days, and months, and seasons, and years. I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have bestowed labor upon you in vain." — Galatians 4:8-11 (ASV)

The happy change by which the Galatians were turned from idols to the living God, and through Christ had received the adoption of sons, was the effect of his free and rich grace. They were therefore placed under a greater obligation to hold fast to the liberty with which he had made them free. All our knowledge of God begins on his part; we know him because we are known by him. Though our religion forbids idolatry, yet many practise spiritual idolatry in their hearts.

For what a person loves most, and cares most for, that is their god: some have their riches for their god, some their pleasures, and some their lusts. And many ignorantly worship a god of their own making: a god made entirely of mercy and no justice. For they persuade themselves that there is mercy for them with God, even though they do not repent but continue in their sins. It is possible for those who have made great professions of religion to be later drawn away from purity and simplicity.

And the more mercy God has shown in bringing anyone to know the gospel, and its liberties and privileges, the greater their sin and folly in allowing themselves to be deprived of them. Therefore, all who are members of the visible church should learn to fear and to be wary of themselves. We must not be content simply because we have some good things in ourselves.

Paul fears that his labour might be in vain, yet he still labours; and to do so, regardless of the outcome, is true wisdom and the fear of God. This everyone must remember in their place and calling.