“My little children, for whom I am again in [the pains of] labour until Christ is [completely and permanently] formed within you”
— Galatians 4:19 (AMP)
Introduction #
Some verses stop you in your tracks. For me, Galatians 4:19 has become one such verse. The apostle Paul—who had already endured hardship to bring the gospel to Galatia—says he is again in the pains of labour. Not for salvation, but for something deeper: that Christ might be formed in them. That phrase is the heartbeat of this post.
Paul’s concern wasn’t simply that people believed the gospel. His concern was Christlikeness—and he groaned in anguish over believers who had begun in the Spirit but were now trying to be perfected by the flesh (Galatians 3:3). His deep cry? “Until Christ is formed in you.”
This isn’t just about Galatia. It’s about us. It’s about our churches. It’s about today.
The Agony of a True Pastor #
Paul uses childbirth as an image: “I am again in labour.” That’s not pleasant. That’s painful. He had already agonised to bring them to faith. Now he agonises that they might take the shape of Christ.
What does this mean for pastors and spiritual leaders today?
It means their goal isn’t full pews, polished events, or emotional worship services. Their burden is Christ formed in you—your sanctification.
“Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?”
— 2 Corinthians 11:29 (AMP)
Paul had been beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked. Yet he calls all that “external.” His greatest suffering was the daily concern he carried for the churches (2 Corinthians 11:28). That’s the heart of a true shepherd.
Sanctification: The Middle Work of God #
Let’s explore the full journey of a believer:
| Stage | Description | Who Does It? |
|---|---|---|
| Election | Chosen before the foundation of the world | God |
| Justification | Declared righteous through faith in Christ | God |
| Sanctification | Made holy, Christ formed in us (ongoing) | God + You |
| Glorification | Final perfection at Christ’s appearing | God |
Sanctification is the only process in your salvation biography. It is where you live now. And it’s not optional.
“This is the will of God: your sanctification [that is, to be set apart from sin, to be made holy]”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (AMP)
God isn’t forming you into a better version of yourself. He is forming Christ in you.
Not Rules But Love #
Holiness isn’t achieved by reading more commandments or trying harder in the flesh. It isn’t grinding your teeth and willing yourself to be better. Jesus said:
“If you [really] love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
— John 14:15 (AMP)
The key to sanctification is love. As you behold Christ and love Him more, you are changed into His image. Sanctification is Christ, by the Spirit, forming Himself in you.
“Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for Your purposes, make them holy]; Your word is truth.”
— John 17:17 (AMP)
The Church Has Drifted #
Sadly, many churches have stopped preaching the doctrine of sanctification. Holiness has become an old-fashioned word. Many focus on popularity, experience, music, and branding. But Paul never aimed for popularity. He aimed for purity.
The new message is: “God is here to give you what you want.” But God isn’t here to fulfil your dreams. He’s here to form Christ in you.
How Did We Get Here? #
Modern culture elevates youth, self-expression, and authenticity as the highest good. The church, rather than confronting this, has often accommodated it. But Paul said:
“I am afraid… I may find you to be not what I wish… that I may mourn over many who have sinned… and not repented.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:20–21 (AMP)
The goal of the Christian life isn’t self-discovery. It’s Christ-discovery. You were not saved to be authentic to yourself. You were saved to be conformed to the image of the Son (Romans 8:29).
A Life-Long Process #
Sanctification doesn’t happen overnight. It isn’t mystical. It doesn’t come from a single conference or powerful moment. It is a lifelong process of surrender, Scripture, prayer, testing, obedience, and deepening love for Christ.
“We all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:18 (AMP)
Old saints carry this beauty. You see it in their love, peace, and quiet strength. It didn’t happen quickly. But it did happen—because Christ was being formed in them.
Your Role in This #
Sanctification is God’s work, but you must cooperate:
“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is at work in you…”
— Philippians 2:12–13 (AMP)
How? By presenting every part of yourself to God:
“…present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.”
— Romans 6:19 (NASB)
Final Thoughts #
This is why you were saved:
“[Christ] gave Himself for us to redeem us… and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”
— Titus 2:14 (AMP)
The question is not whether sanctification is happening. It is. The question is: How far has Christ been formed in you?
The burden Paul had is the same burden every true shepherd must carry: “O God, may Christ be formed in them.” This is our purpose. This is our pursuit. All else is lesser.
In Christ,
Shaliach.
