(Read Galatians 4:1-7)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing to look at The Law given under Moses vs. the Grace provided by Jesus. Yesterday we saw how Paul called The Law a guardian or a tutor. Paul helped us understand that The Law was given for a certain time, just like a Guardian, or a Nanny, is given to teach and protect a child for a certain time. As we transition into chapter four, Paul continues his analogy.
Paul says, “Think of it this way. If a father dies and leaves an inheritance for his young children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow up, even though they actually own everything their father had. They have to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set.” Paul wants us to picture a child who is born with a rich inheritance. Let’s say he is an heir to the throne. He has a bright future, but while he is a child he does not truly understand all his father owns, all he is an heir to, nor who he really is. In this way, he is really no different from the child of a slave. These two little boys — the prince baby and the slave baby — are both clueless about their future. And both simply follow the instructions of their parents, or guardians.
Paul continues and says, “And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.”
So what does this mean to you today? Let’s seek to glean a few golden nuggets:
1. The people who followed God under the Law, prior to Jesus, were like children born heirs to a great inheritance, but because they were children, they were clueless about their inheritance. Their ignorance made them no different from the children of slaves, born with no inheritance.
2. Prior to Jesus, God’s people were spiritually no different from non-believers. They did not have the Holy Spirit, therefore, Paul says they were “slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world.”
3. In the fulness of time God sent His Son (Jesus), born of a woman (to be just like us), subject to The Law (in order to fulfill it). Paul says, “God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.”
4. Under The Law God’s people were slaves. Under Grace we are now sons. The Bible says, “Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.” There is a big difference between a slave and a son.
5. Jesus died to deliver us from being slaves to The Law, to make us sons of God. The Bible says, “And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.”
6. In Romans Paul said, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).
7. You are not a slave of God, you are His son. You are an heir of God, and actually a Joint-heir with Christ Jesus Himself. Jesus came to graduate you from being a slave to being a son! Not because you earned it, deserved it, or because you were so good. Only because God is so good; because of His Grace!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank you for taking the time to teach me Your Word. Your Word teaches me that I am not a slave. There was a time when Your followers were like slaves. They followed You by focusing on a set of rules and laws, and they did not have an intimate relationship with You. Jesus died to deliver us from a slave-relationship with You, in order to make us sons. I am no longer a slave, but a son. As a son, I love my Father and I know He loves me. I have a personal and intimate relationship with my Daddy, and He has the same with me. I have the confidence to be able to talk to You Father, whenever I want, because I am Your son. I have all the rights and privileges of a son. You have given me the authority to use Your name, therefore I am not afraid of satan or any demonic force. You have given me Your Holy Spirit, so I can operate in the Supernatural daily. I don’t enter each day with my head down, like a slave. No, I enter each day with my head held high, knowing I am a child of the Most High God! I have the confidence of knowing that You are ON me, IN me, WITH me and FOR me. I am not afraid of any man, nor any force. I am a son of God, an heir of Your goodness, and a Joint-heir with Jesus Himself. I enter this day and every day determined to be used of You Father, for Your glory. I am a world-changer. You use me to leave an indelible mark everywhere I go. Not because I am so good, but only because You are! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
