Sons and Daughters

Memory Verse:  "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship."  Galatians 4:4-5
Scripture Reading: Galatians 4:1-11_

"One of the tragedies of legalism is that it gives the appearance of spiritual maturity when, in reality, it leads the believer back into a 'second childhood' of Christian experience." (Wiersbe)

1.  Law Keeping Christians are immature like children and slaves! Verses 1-3

• While under age:

          a.  No different than a slave
          b.  Owns the entire estate but can’t enjoy it

• Subject to: 

          a.  Guardians: A person in charge of minor children
          b. Trustees: A person in charge of the administration of a household
          c.  Until the Father says the time is up! Here this is consistent with Roman customs of granting adulthood to boy at                        ages varying from 14-17 depending upon the circumstances.

• Before Jesus came, all people were like immature children in their relationship to God!
• Law was a tutor: Galatians 3:24, i.e. a guardian and guide of boys. 
• Elemental things were our master: verse 3

2.  In Christ, we are mature! verse 4-5

• The natural laws and the OT Law together have been replaced in the life of the Christian. 
• The time for this transition is according to the Heavenly Father in the Divine plan.
• Fullness of time: When God’s timing had been achieved. At the right time!
• Reminiscent of the Birth of Jesus narrative in Luke 2:6 NIV - "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,"
• God sent His Son: Divine timing, Divine planning, Divine power, Divine presence
• Born of a woman, born under the Law: 
• To redeem: Divine Purpose, to purchase out from under the Law those who are under it and who are unable to redeem themselves.
• That we might receive adoption to sonship:

3.  Sonship is the Pleasure and Privilege of the New Relationship to God: verses 6-11

• Because you are his sons!
• The Slavery Situation Has ended!

          a.  Not a slave but a child!
          b.  Since a child then an heir!
          c.  Don’t go back to the weak things that enslaved you in your past life!
          d.  Going back would be a waste of God’s work and the work of the ministry!

SO WHAT?

• Thank God for His Spirit of adoption!
• Commit to know Him in a mature Parent/Child relationship .
• Ask for Him to show you any legalism and beggarly ideas that are creeping into your life.