Imagine being the heir to a magnificent kingdom, yet living like a servant. In Galatians 4, Paul unveils the stunning reality for believers: they are not just heirs, but beloved children of God.
The Reading: Galatians 4
World English Bible1 But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a bondservant, though he is lord of all;
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2 but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed by the father.
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3 So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental principles of the world.
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4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law,
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5 that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of children.
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6 And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!”
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7 So you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
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8 However at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods.
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9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again?
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10 You observe days, months, seasons, and years.
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11 I am afraid for you, that I might have wasted my labor for you.
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12 I beg you, brothers, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong,
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13 but you know that because of weakness in the flesh I preached the Good News to you the first time.
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14 That which was a temptation to you in my flesh, you didn’t despise nor reject; but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
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15 What was the blessing you enjoyed? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.
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16 So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?
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17 They zealously seek you in no good way. No, they desire to alienate you, that you may seek them.
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18 But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you.
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19 My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ is formed in you—
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20 but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
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21 Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, don’t you listen to the law?
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22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the servant, and one by the free woman.
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23 However, the son by the servant was born according to the flesh, but the son by the free woman was born through promise.
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24 These things contain an allegory, for these are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children to bondage, which is Hagar.
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25 For this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to the Jerusalem that exists now, for she is in bondage with her children.
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26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
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27 For it is written, “Rejoice, you barren who don’t bear. Break out and shout, you that don’t travail. For more are the children of the desolate than of her who has a husband.”
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28 Now we, brothers, as Isaac was, are children of promise.
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29 But as then, he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.
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30 However what does the Scripture say? “Throw out the servant and her son, for the son of the servant will not inherit with the son of the free woman.”
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31 So then, brothers, we are not children of a servant, but of the free woman.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Heirs and Guardians
Paul begins by explaining that an heir, while still a child, is no different from a servant because he is under the care of guardians. This shows that spiritual maturity is essential to realizing one's inheritance. Until the right time, we are all under the 'elemental principles' of the world, much like children under strict supervision.
The Arrival of the Son
When the time was right, God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world, born under the law, to redeem those bound by it. This act was not just about freedom from rules but about adopting us into God's family. Suddenly, we are no longer mere servants - we are sons and daughters, intimately known by God.
A Transition to Freedom
Yet, Paul expresses concern for the Galatians who seem to revert to their old ways - observing rituals and laws as if they were still in bondage. They were once free but now risk losing sight of their true identity. Paul reminds them of their passionate acceptance of him when he first preached the gospel to them, emphasizing the warmth of their relationship.
The Allegory of Two Sons
To drive his point home, Paul uses an allegory about Abraham's sons - one born of a slave woman and the other of a free woman. He explains that these two sons represent two covenants. The son of the slave represents bondage, while the son of the free woman symbolizes the promise of freedom. Through this, Paul contrasts life under the law with life under grace, affirming that believers are children of the free woman, heirs of God's promise.
Why It Matters
Embracing Our Identity
Galatians 4 teaches us about our identity in Christ. Many believers struggle with feelings of worthlessness or unworthiness, but this chapter reminds us that we are not defined by our past or our failures. We are children of God, and with that comes significant value and purpose.
Moving Beyond Bondage
It's easy to fall back into old habits, seeking validation through rituals or rules. However, true freedom is found in understanding that our relationship with God is not based on performance but on grace. In Christ, we are free to live authentically, accepted and loved.
Finding Community
As you ponder these truths, consider finding a local church community that can support you in your journey of faith. You can find a church near you through Sancta. Engaging with others on this journey can help deepen your understanding of what it means to be a child of God and live in the fullness of that identity.
Coming Up Next: Galatians 5
In the next part of our journey through Galatians, Paul shifts focus to the fruits of the Spirit and living a life led by the Spirit. Get ready to explore what it means to truly embody the love and grace of God in everyday life!