Galatians 4:7 (ESV) “So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians- is a defense of Gospel Freedom through salvation, by the Grace of God through Faith in Jesus Christ alone. Galatians Theme Chapter 1 Gospel Chapter 2 Freedom Chapter 3 Promise Chapter 4 Children Chapter 5 Spirit Chapter 6 Cross Galatians 4:1–7 (ESV) 4 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. 1. Live as Sons not Slaves Child- (nepios)- infants, little children adoption (yiothétisi)-“to place as an adult son. Galatians 4:3 (ESV) 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. Elementary Principles- (stoicheia) “elements” or “basic principles” Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV) 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. • The Benefit of Adoption Galatians 4:6–7 (ESV) 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. God isn’t calling you to prove yourself. He’s calling you to rest in who He has already made you to be—His child. 2. Never Retreat Back to Bondage Galatians 4:8–9 (ESV) 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? Luke 19:9–10 (ESV) 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Weak (asthenēs)- weak, powerless Worthless- (ptōchos)- beggarly, destitute Galatians 4:10 (ESV) 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! Salvation is not based upon our performance it is based upon Jesus sacrifice Galatians 4:12–16 (ESV) 12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? Truth Drifts Happen Galatians 4:17 (ESV) 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. Are You Moving Forward or Backward? 3. Live in the Freedom of God’s Promise or Chains of Self-effort Galatians 4:21-22 (ESV) “Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman.” Galatians 4:24-25 (ESV) 24. Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. Slavery -doulos (δοῦλος)-someone completely bound, without rights or freedom. Galatians 4:26–28 (ESV) 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.” 28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. Promise- epangelia (ἐπαγγελία)—God’s promise. The True Gospel is about God’s Promise not your Performance