I. We All Used to Be Slaves (vv.1-3)
Galatians 4:1-3 - Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world.
A. Two purposes of the illustration:
1. The illustration highlights the intentionality of a specific time for freedom coming (v.2, 4).
2. The illustration highlights the insanity of a son who has come of age wanting to go back to being like a slave.
B. We were slaves to “the elementary things of the world” (v.3)
Hebrews 5:12 - For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
Galatians 3:23 - Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.
II. God Redeemed Us From Slavery Through Jesus Christ (vv.4-5)
A. God sovereignly and purposely chose the time for redemption (v.4)
Galatians 4:4 - But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son...
B. God sent forth his Son in human flesh and blood (v.4)
Galatians 4:4 - But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law…
C. Jesus lived under the law perfectly (v.4)
D. Jesus paid our debt to redeem us from slavery (v.5)
Galatians 4:5 - …so that He might redeem those who were under the Law...
E. Jesus secured our adoption as sons (v.5)
Galatians 4:5 - …so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
III. The Holy Spirit Declares Our Freedom as Sons (vv. 6-7)
Galatians 4:6-7 - Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
A. The Holy Spirit produces in our hearts a subjective and emotional conviction that God is our Father (v.6)
B. The Holy Spirit gives us assurance of our inheritance as sons (v.7)
IV. Do Not Turn Back to Your Former Slavery Under the Law/Elementary Things (vv.8-11)
Galatians 4:8-11 - However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.
A. The law and elementary things are weak, worthless and enslaving
B. What are the basic laws and elementary principles that we at Faith Church might turn back to and become slaves of?
1. A successful marriage
2. Raising believing children or at least independent adult children
3. A successful career
4. Orthodox doctrine and knowledge of the Bible (Gal. 4:9)
5. Status and reputation within the church
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