But now, having known God—indeed, rather, having been known by God—how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you again desire to be enslaved from above? Galatians 4:9.
The saints in Galatia were deceived by men who claimed to be sent from the apostles, promoting a righteousness before men based on one’s actions. After discussing the faith in Christ—which Israel was held under the Law until it came—and the placement as sons, Paul goes on to affirm that we are no longer slaves, that is, those under Law, but sons and heirs of God through Christ (Galatians 4:7).
One who is a son is mature, conducting himself in a just and proper manner in all things. Since we have been given all things pertaining to life and godliness in Christ, we are able to mature in our understanding, training our senses to discern between what is proper and what is wrong (Hebrews 5:14).
Since we are sons and no longer serve the things which by nature are not gods, let us not return again to the weak and beggarly elements of righteousness according to worldly standards—such as the observation of days, months, seasons, and years. Rather, let us serve the true and living God in the freedom we have in Christ, conducting our lives in a mature manner as we live out righteousness through faith.
This begins with setting our minds on the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God—recognizing that we are no longer in Adam and therefore condemned, but in Christ we are righteous—understanding God’s revealed desirous will for us, and living accordingly.