Galatians 4:8-11

⁸ “However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are not gods. ⁹ But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles, to which you want to be enslaved all over again? ¹⁰ You meticulously observe days and months and seasons and years. ¹¹ I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.”

Verse 8: Paul reminds the Galatians of their former state when they did not know God. They were enslaved to false gods, which are not truly gods at all. This highlights the emptiness and futility of their previous religious practices.

Verse 9: In Paul’s mind, placing oneself under the law is akin to returning to the old way of life. Before belief we were enslaved to sin but after salvation we were set free from sin in all its manifestations.

Verse 10: Paul addresses the specific issue of the Galatians observing religious rituals and observances. He points out that they are placing importance on special days, months, seasons, and years, which is a return to the legalistic mindset they were delivered from. 

Verse 11: Paul expresses his deep concern for the Galatians, fearing that his efforts to teach them the truth of the gospel may have been in vain. He desires for them to fully grasp the freedom and grace found in Christ, rather than being entangled once again in legalistic practices.