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This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing with our new mini-series, “The Purpose of the Cross.” Yesterday we looked at how Jesus took us from religion to a relationship with the Father; from slaves/servants to sons. This morning we will continue to flow in this vein. We already looked at this passage, but I feel led to go back to it in order to take a closer look.
(Galatians 4:1-7 ERV)
This is what I am saying: When young children inherit all that their father owned, they are still no different from his slaves. It doesn’t matter that they own everything. While they are children, they must obey those who are chosen to care for them. But when they reach the age the father set, they are free. It is the same for us. We were once like children, slaves to the useless rules of this world. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, who was born from a woman and lived under the law. God did this so that he could buy the freedom of those who were under the law. God’s purpose was to make us his children. Since you are now God’s children, he has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts. The Spirit cries out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are not slaves like before. You are God’s children, and you will receive everything he promised his children.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. The Law was temporary. Paul was well versed in the Law. He was basically a scholar. Paul’s encounter with Jesus and the revelation he received through the Holy Spirit helped him articulate the fact that the Law was given for a certain time and purpose. The Law kept God’s followers while they were, what Paul likens to be “young children.” Paul says, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son.” Jesus came to fulfill the Law. You and I are no longer like the young children Paul likens those under the Law to. We have access to the Holy Spirit and when we are led of the Spirit, the Bible calls us mature sons.
2. Jesus bought our freedom from the Law. Paul said, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, who was born from a woman and lived under the law. God did this so that he could buy the freedom of those who were under the law.” If Jesus had to purchase our freedom from the Law, then it is clear that being under the Law was bondage. The Law was not God’s best. God gave us access to His best when He gave us His Spirit, who now lives in us. However, the access to the Holy Spirit came at a great price. What price you ask? It was the Blood of Jesus.
3. God brought us out from under the Law in order to make us His children. While discussing Jesus’ death, Paul said, “God did this so that he could buy the freedom of those who were under the law. God’s purpose was to make us his children. Since you are now God’s children, he has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts. The Spirit cries out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are not slaves like before. You are God’s children.” Jesus died to give you a personal and intimate relationship with the Father. This relationship is not intended to be a relationship between slave and Master, or servant and Lord. No, Jesus died to give you a relationship with His Father. You now get to come to the God, the God of the universe, as your loving and caring heavenly Father. Cry out to Him this morning as your Daddy!
4. As children we have access to a divine inheritance. Paul said, “Now you are not slaves like before. You are God’s children, and you will receive everything he promised his children.” The Bible is chock-full of promises made from the Father to His children. Prior to Jesus’ death the only humans on the planet with a covenant with Jehovah were the descendants of Abraham. Because of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, every human on the planet has access to eternal life through God’s Son and every person who responds to the gospel, and is Born-Again, becomes a joint-heir with Jesus Christ to a multitude of precious promises. Claim your inheritance. You are a child of the Most High God!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me the Purpose of the Cross. What Jesus did for me is amazing. Not only did Jesus die in my place, taking on my debt, and paying for my sin; but Jesus also redeemed me from the curse and the callous nature of the Law. Because of Jesus, I don’t have to live my life by a cold set of external rules, I can live my life being led of Your Spirit, from inside-out, every day. I am not like a baby, who might have access to a great inheritance, but has no clue concerning it. I am not like a little child, who has to be governed and protected by a set of rules. I am a mature child of the Most High God. I am covered by the Blood of Your Son, I am filled with Your Spirit, and I am an heir to great and precious promises. I know You are still God, and as God I worship You. I praise You for what You have done and I worship You for who You are. But when I am in prayer, I don’t address You as a distant God. I come to You as my Father. I am Your Son, You are my Father, and Jesus died to connect me directly to You. I honor Jesus’ death with my surrendered life. I could never earn or deserve what Jesus did for me. Jesus died in my place by grace. All I can do now is live my life, with the confidence of a Son, with access to You as my Father, determined to do all You lead me to do, by Your underserved grace. I declare that I will and I declare it by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
