Sons, not Slaves

Galatian Liberty • Galatians 4:1-7 • June 19, 2022 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

The Mosaic Law served its purpose, which was to function as a revealer of sin, a prison, and a tutor. Paul explained that the Law was a temporary arrangement, not a permanent one. The ultimate arrangement is adopting sons and daughters through faith in Christ. Again, not by the works of the law, but through faith in Him. Justification by faith eventually leads to becoming an heir and part of God’s family. God sends His Spirit to all His children who call Him intimately as Abba, Father.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 

Galatians 4:1-7 ESV

1 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.

Notes

The Mosaic Law served its purpose, which was to function as a revealer of sin, a prison, and a tutor. Paul explained that the Law was a temporary arrangement, not a permanent one. The ultimate arrangement is adopting sons and daughters through faith in Christ. Again, not by the works of the law, but through faith in Him. Justification by faith eventually leads to becoming an heir and part of God’s family. God sends His Spirit to all His children who call Him intimately as Abba, Father.

  1. OT Law as Manager
    Paul used an illustration to deliver his point. First, he referenced how a father in those days would use guardians to manage his child. Then, similarly, Paul explained a parallel where the OT Law was like a manager (1:1-3).
    1 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.

  2. Adoption
    God sent His Son in the form of man under the OT Law, yet He fulfilled every command of the Law, making Him blameless. Thus, He could fulfill His purpose to redeem us and make us adopted children of God (1:4-5).
    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.

  3. Spirit and Father
    God sends the Spirit to the hearts of all His genuine children. Through the Spirit, the children call God Abba! Father! Calling God Abba is calling Him intimately. It is a call from someone who belongs to the family (1:6-7).
    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.

Application

  1. Learn the OT Scriptures
    The Old Testament Law functioned as a manager, guardian, revealer of sin, and tutor. But it cannot save us; only faith in Christ can. Nonetheless, it is good to learn the Old Testament Scriptures.

  2. Look to Christ, the Redeemer
    We are no longer under the manager, tutor, guardian, or prison through faith in Christ. Instead, God receives us as His sons and daughters in Christ Jesus. Therefore, stop acting as enslaved people and become His child in Christ.

  3. Through the Spirit, Call to the Father
    Through faith in Christ, we may intimately call God Father, a call that emanates from the Holy Spirit, given to all who have faith in Him. Therefore, from the depths of our hearts, let us call on Him in prayer and worship.

Reflection & Discussion

  1. Explain Paul’s reference to the son not differing from a slave.

  2. Based on the text, why did God send His Son?

  3. What is the relationship between the Spirit and calling Him Abba?