Galatians 4

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Galatians 4:4-7, 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.

In this chapter, Paul contrasts humanity's condition under the law versus in Christ.  Under the law, people were heirs to a promise that God made with Abraham, but really they were no better than slaves, for they were still in bondage to the law.  Under Christ, however, there is true freedom.  People aren't merely heirs to a promise.  They are children of the one true God.  Our salvation has nothing to do with the law.  Rather, our salvation rests in the work of Christ. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  When we are saved, God puts his Holy Spirit within us.  There is an intimacy there.  Now, we call out "Abba, Father" which effectively means "Daddy."  We aren't slave children.  We are truly God's children whom he loves.  We can rest in the love of our father.  We don't have to be fearful or timid.  We can spend time with our Father God, sit in his lap, and soak up the love he has for us.

I'll close today with Romans 8:15-16, So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.

Let's pray...Abba, Father, Let us know you and your love in an intimate way.  In Your Name, Amen.