![[20211006-GalatiansHeader.png]] **Topics:** - Sons and Heirs - Fears for the Church ## Sons and Heirs ![[Sons and Heirs 4.1-7]] By relationship through Christ, we have been given the ability to become God’s children (cf. [[John 1.12]]). This relationship which is the product of faith results in some incredible reality for us. ***What does it mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different that a slave in the house?*** They are functionally the same because the child does not have control or decision-making authority over the inheritance. Someone else is responsible and accountable during his youth. Even though the blessing of the inheritance belongs to him, he does not have free access to it or control over it. ***In verse 2, who is in control of the time when the child receives the promise?*** The Father. As a parallel, who is in control of the time that Jesus is going to return (cf. [[Acts 1.7]])? The Father. There is an appointed, or set, time when the child inherits what was left for them. ***Until God the Father sent Jesus, what was the condition of everyone?*** They were kept by the Law. But when the time was right–*the fullness of time* in [[Galatians 4.4|verse 4]]–the Father sent Jesus to change it. > [!KeyIdea] Key Thought > There is a maturing process that takes place from the promise of inheritence to the posession of inheritance. ***How is the Law like a steward or manager?*** It provided specific directions of how and when we could access the blessing that God appointed to us. ***Since we are now under grace and we are no longer slaves but now sons, do we still need a steward or manager to help us access the inheritance of faith?*** No, because we are in Jesus and have access to all the blessings in Him. All that we need is available to us in Him. Peace or joy or righteousness or provision, etc. We have access to all that Christ has given to us until then. ***What are the elements of the world that we are under bondage to mentioned in verse 3?*** The word that the apostle uses can apply to rules or system of order. Or, that word can also be translated as “spirits.” The ancient idea behind that word is that there were elemental spirits, gods, deities, demons that controlled aspects of life. And so that we can come under bondage to those things. **Which definition does the context tell us is the correct one?** If we look at the previous context in [[Galatians Chapter 3|Chapter 3]] it is clear that the apostle is talking about principles. We are under the rules of the law and the guiding principles of culture and society. We are bondage to them. But if you look in the verses after (specifically [[Galatians 4.8-9|verses 8-9]]) we see that there are spiritual forces that we are in bondage to as well. So **both** definitions are helpful to our understanding what the apostle is saying we are under bondage to. The apostle is using an illustration. ***In this illustration, what do the children represent?*** People before grace, who were immature and not free. He was not calling them literal children but using the condition of children to help us understand the principle. **Galatians 4:1-4 NLT** > Think of it this way. If a father dies and leaves an inheritance for his young children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow up, even though they actually own everything their father had. **2** They have to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set. **3** And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world. **4** But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. Why did the apostle include the phrase, “born of a woman?” The promised Messiah was prophesied to come through the *seed of a woman* ([[Genesis 3.15]]). And we know that the promise was given to the *Seed of Abraham* ([[Galatians 3.19]]). So we are not talking about just any person but we are talking about the Seed. This is not simply a spiritual or mystical or metaphysical thing, but the *actual* flesh-and-blood Messiah. ***Why was it important that Jesus was born under the Law?*** He conquered sin in the flesh while in the form of sinful flesh ([[Romans 8.3]]). Being that He was born in the flesh, He is a High Priest who understands us ([[Hebrews 4.15]]). We have a God who indentifies with us completely, not just theoretically but in reality. He came in flesh and bone so that He could experience life on our terms with all its hunger and pain and longing, etc. He came and showed us it was possible to fulfill the righteous requirements of the Law of God ([[Matthew 5.17]]). Jesus showed us that this was possible through His relationship with the Father and the presence of the Holy Spirit. He *could* have negated the Law because He was God. But He didn’t do it that way. Instead, He completed it by fulfilling the terms. And after He fulfilled the Old Covenant, He began a new one. ***Why did He do this ([[Galatians 4.5|verse 5]])?*** The purpose was to redeem us so that we could be adopted as sons. Ultimately, He did this to free us so that we could have a relationship with Him. %%Continue with appointed time, include Daniel’s prophecy, Pax Romana, etc.%% There were two different phrases regarding the timing of Jesus’ coming. The first was “at the appointed time” in [[Galatians 4.2|verse 2]]. The second phrase was “when the fullness of time had come” in [[Galatians 4.4|verse 4]]. The first time was a time that was predetermined by God whereas the second one refers to the completion of a certain space of time. In our text, there was an appointed time for a child to grow and mature under stewards and managers. At the end of that time they would receive their inheritance. The Messiah would come at the right time, after a certain space of time had completed, to redeem God’s people. > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: the Times > There is another important moment in Scripture where we are told that God is in charge of determining time related to the coming of the Messiah. Read [[Acts 1.7]] to find out more. This is important when we recognize the events that took place in the *Intertestamental period.* The time between the Old Testament and the New Testament saw important historical developments that God would leverage to bring about prophecy and to enable the spread of the gospel message. This would include things like a common language, Pax Romana, and roadways from port to port under the Roman Empire. Additionally it would include the method of torture and death employed by the Romans, namely the cross. Each of these elements were set in place in a certain moment in history. And it was into that time that Jesus came. Not only that but there is a very important prophetic vision given by the prophet Daniel which indicated the timeframe in which the Savior would come. There was a time period that had the pass before it could be fulfilled. > [!todo]- For Further Study: Daniel’s Prophecy > The prophecy of Daniel regarding the return of the Savior is found in [[Daniel 9.24-27]]. You can find more information into the accuracy and events of this prophecy in *Learn the Bible in 24 Hours* by Chuck Missler where you will find out about the 70 weeks of the prophecy, the importance of 173,880 days, March 14, 445 B.C., and April 6, 32 A.D. Because the appointed time has been completed and the Savior has come to bring redemption, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son so that we can become sons. When we say, “Abba Father” we are using a simple term of a child to a father. It expressed confidence, affection, trust. ***What does it mean that we can call God, Abba Father?*** It means that we have an intimate relationship with God where He is our Heavenly Father just as He is Jesus’ God and Father. This idea is also conveyed in Paul’s letter to the Romans. **Romans 8:12-17 NKJV** > **12** Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. **13** For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. **14** For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. **15** For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” **16** The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, **17** and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. The Spirit leads us, bears witness to us that we are God’s children, and is the agent of adoption. God wanted to adopt us. The Son paid the price. The Spirit transferred us into the kingdom (cf. [[Colossians 1.13]]). ***What was one of the key indicators of being a child of God?*** We are led by the Spirit of God. This is important to remember when we try to follow Christ in faith. We can not live as children of God should without the Holy Spirit. We were redeemed by Christ and then given the Spirit of sonship so that we could enter into the family. > [!todo]- For Further Study: Evidences of Sonship > Considering the fact that the Spirit leads the children of God, what are some of the evidences that we are living as sons or daughters of God? A good starting point might be [[Galatians 5.16-26]], [[Romans 8.1-11]]. What are some other Scriptures and characteristics that you would identify with being children of God through the agency of the Holy Spirit? > [!tip]- Going Deeper: *The Father’s Spirit of Sonship* > There is a book on the Trinity that speaks to the Person and role of the Holy Spirit. This book also attemps to explain how the Holy Spirit brings the believer into the life of the Trinity. *The Father’s Spirit of Sonship* by Thomas Weinandy (ISBN: 9781610970839) is a small and academic book worth reading if you would like to look more deeply into this subject. ***What happens to us when we are sons of God ([[Galatians 4.7|verse 7]])?*** We are freed from bondage and are no longer slaves. We not only no longer slaves but we become heirs of God. ***What does it mean that we are heirs of God?*** It means that we partake in all that He has (cf. [[2 Peter 1.3-4]], [[John 17.20-23]]). And this is not because of our good works, but through faith in Jesus. ## Fears for the Church ![[Fears for the Church 4.8-20]] ***What was Paul’s shock?*** He was shocked that the people would go back into bondage by observing the law (days, months, seasons, years, etc.) as well as the “weak and beggarly elements” which are the systems, structures, and/or demonic spirits. Note that although Paul pointed out that they were serving things that were not gods. > [!Tip]- To Consider: *How this applies to today’s world* > The Apostle pointed out that the culture was full of worshippers. The problem was that those people were worshipping the wrong thing. The gods they were worshipping were actually not God. They were not a deity at all but something demonic or lesser. This is not different in our culture today. There are many things that people worship but they are not gods. ***Why did Paul correct himself and say that they were known by God rather than they knew God?*** He was indicating that they were forgetting that it was God who chose them. It wasn’t because of what they did that they found God. He pursued them. He first loved them ([[1 John 4.19]]). Why would they then drift from the truth in Christ and embrace another gospel? > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: Known By God > What does it mean to be known by God? > > In [[1 Corinthians 8.3]] we are told that if we love God we are known by Him. So then we have to consider what it means to love God. Jesus told us that those who keep His commands are those who love Him and if we love Him we will be loved by the Father ([[John 14.21]]). One answer is that we demonstrate love to God through obedience to Christ. > > In [[2 Corinthians 5.11]] we get another clue what it means to be known to God. The Apostle was engaged in “persuading men” – in making disciples and preaching the gospel. As he was following the Great Commission he was carrying out the will of God ([[Matthew 28.18-20]]). > > The opposite of being known by God is explained by Jesus in [[Matthew 7.21-23]]. He said to those who practiced lawlessness that He never knew them. Though they prophesied, cast out demons, and did wonders in His name, their sinful behaviors actually distanced them from Him ([[Isaiah 59.2]]). ***What are the weak and beggarly elements that the Apostle Paul was referring to?*** The word translated here is *stoicheion* which can be translated to mean something like religious systems and structures or it can be referring to the demonic forces behind them. Their behaviors reflected their *desire* to be back in bondage *again.* ***What is the connection between desire and bondage?*** **James 1:13-15 NKJV** > **13** Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. **14** But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. **15** Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. The danger of following desire instead of God is sin and ultimately death (cf. [[Romans 6.23]]). This is one reason why the apostle was shocked that they would turn away from God. > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: Israel - freedom or bondage > The behaviors of the Galatians parallels the behavior of the children of Israel in the Wilderness ([[Numbers 11.4-6]]). God freed them from bondage and as He was bringing them through the wilderness toward the Promised Land they began to look longingly back toward Egypt. They felt like their situation was better there. But they forgot what their life truly was like in bondage. ***What was the evidence that the apostle cited that they had begun to fall away from God?*** They began to be legalistic about their relationship with God. They focused on *days and months and seasons*. They weren’t leaning on the grace that they had received (i.e. *God* chose them in [[Galatians 4.9|v9]]). The result was that Paul *feared* for them. He was concerned that his labor– hard, intense work, toil–for them and among them was wasted by their desire. ***If Paul didn’t intervene and offer this corrective letter, what might have happened to the church in Galatia if they had kept going on the path they were headed?*** They would have fallen away from Christ. %%We talked about correction; receiving it and responding to it and its purpose to form Christ in us.%% ***What was the Apostle Paul’s posture or attitude towards the Galatians even as he is correcting them?*** We see that he is *urging* or *pleading* or *entreating* them. In other words, he is not commanding or dominating them. ***What was the goal that the Apostle had in mind as he is writing to the Galatians and correcting them here?*** That Christ be formed in them ([[Galatians 4.19|v19]]). He encouraged them to see him like they did in the beginning–as an angel or even as Christ Jesus ([[Galatians 4.14|v14]]). > [!tip]- To Consider: *Christian Formation* > The goal of the Christian is to become like Christ. In the words of Paul it is that Christ may be formed in us ([[Galatians 4.19]]). Consider this theme as you read [[Genesis 1.26-27]], [[Romans 8.29]], [[Colossians 3.10]], [[2 Corinthians 3.18]], and [[John 13.15]]. These verses, and others, teach us that the goal of the follower of Jesus is to become like Him in our words and deeds. This is the goal that the Apostle Paul was striving for in the churches. And this should be our goal as disciples and disciple-makers. The Apostle then pointed out some some of the primary threats to the goal of Christian formation–false teachers and their teaching. These people came in with a goal to separate them from the apostles and their teaching and have them for themselves. The false teachers were trying to passionately pursue or enthusiastically entice or court (like the method of dating) the believers so that they would follow them and their way instead of the apostles and the way of Jesus. ***What are some modern parallels to this strategy and approach? Who are applying these tactics?*** Politicians seek to gain followers and people who are interested in following their group over the ways of Jesus. In the church world there are teachers or preachers that are doing the same thing. They want to have followers of their doctrine or brand more than they want to form Christ in people and have them learn to obey Him (cf. [[Matthew 28.20]], [[John 14.21]]). > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: taken captive > Read [[Colossians 2.8]] in various translations. Consider this passage in light of the warning that the Apostle Paul gave the Galatians and the strategies and methods of those who would lead us astray. ## Two Covenants ![[Two Covenants 4.21-31]] In this pericope, we have a continuation of some of the themes that Paul has been presenting: freedom vs bondage, life vs death, promise vs curse, faith vs works, heirs vs servants. The Galatian believers were moving towards the law and away from Christ. But they weren’t fully there which is why Paul was making his appeal. They *desired* to be under the law, but they hadn’t yet fully walked away. Their departure from faith and movement towards the law motivated him to warn them. Here, the Apostle questions their understanding. He wasn’t sure that they understood what it meant for them to come under the law. So he begins to explain. ***What kind of literary device does he use to explain?*** He reads an actual history of Abraham and Sara and Hagar as an allegorical or symbolic illustration. ***What was Paul using this story to communicate?*** Essentially that the law and the Spirit are not compatible, cursing and blessing are not compatible, etc. (see [[Galatians 4.29-30|v29-30]]). His emphasis is on the way of faith in Jesus that leads us to righteousness and into blessing with the Father. He is not arguing that the law is evil. Paul used a contrast to illustrate this point in verses 22-23. There was one father, Abraham, and two different mothers. The same source, as it were. The child of promise, who represented faith, was free. The child of man’s effort, who represented works, was bondage. Same source came blessing or the curse, life or death, law or faith. > [!todo]- For Further Study: One source, multiple outcomes > Consider how the same source can produce either life or death. Scriptures like [[Proverbs 18.21]], [[2 Corinthians 2.14-17]], [[Deuteronomy 11.26-28]] offer insights into how one thing could produce two different results. As you study this, look for practical applications for how this works in your life. The Apostle Paul offers an application that parallels the whole conversation. Works of the flesh, with their origin in fallen man lead to bondage and a curse. Works of faith, with their origin in God, are of promise and lead to freedom. The application is this: choosing to live and act in faith leads to the life and freedom and blessings that come through Christ.