Galatians 4:1-7 (WEL) Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a servant, even though he is lord of all. 2 But he is under legal guardians and supervisors until the time designated by the father. 3 So we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born subject to the law, 5 To redeem those who were under the law so that we might receive the adoption of children. 6 Because you are children, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, calling, “Abba, Father.” 7 Therefore, you are no longer a servant but God’s child, and if God’s child, then an heir of God through Christ.
Chapter summary:
Constable: ‘In chapter 3 the Jews’ preoccupation with the Law of Moses was foremost in Paul’s mind. In chapter 4 he reiterated his argument for the benefit of Gentiles for whom religious syncretism and pagan idolatry were primary concerns. Whereas in chapter 3 Paul dealt mainly with justification (cf. Galatians 3:20), in chapter 4 his emphasis was primarily on sanctification (cf. Galatians 4:3).”
V1 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a servant, even though he is lord of all.
A child of any king does not have independence. He must learn many things, and as such, he is no more than a servant. Sadly, many parents don’t raise children to become adults; they let the kid be the boss of the house by always bailing them out of trouble rather than letting them learn the consequences of sin.
V2 But he is under legal guardians and supervisors until the time designated by the father.
Legal guardians and supervisors teach the child how to be a leader.
Precept Austin:
“That is, the child is subject to the authority of the guardians and managers. Under Roman law, boys from birth to 14 years of age were under the charge of legal guardians, and then from age 14-25, their property was administered by managers. However, Roman law did give Roman fathers some discretion in setting the time of their son’s transition from boyhood to manhood. It also sets the stage for Paul’s statement in Galatians 4:4 that God the Father chose the time that His Son would bring in our maturity.”
V3 So we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the principles of the world.
The children in this verse are all individuals who are slaves of unrighteousness (Romans 6:17, John 8:34, and Titus 3:3). They serve themselves and their desires.
The principles of this world are the worldview, lifestyle, rules, desires, goals, attitudes, and character traits of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21).
The solution is to place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone. See John 8:32.
V4 But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born subject to the law.
Fullness of time refers to the perfect time in history for Messiah, Jesus, to be born. Jesus, similar to a child under a guardian, came at the perfect time for Him to begin His ministry. God, Jesus’s Father, sent His Son (Isaiah 9:6) to be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). Mary was that woman. Jesus was a Jew and under Mosaic Law, which He obeyed perfectly in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.
V5 To redeem those who were under the law so that we might receive the adoption of children.
This is the purpose for His coming. He was to redeem those under the Law (ethnic Jews), so we (Paul states), Jews, might receive adoption as sons and daughters of God. Yet, the Gentiles are included (Romans 3:29 and Romans 9:23-24, Romans 9:30, and Romans 11:11-13). God’s adoption of people was to the Jews first, then Gentiles (Romans 9:4, Exodus 4:22, and Isaiah 45:11). God’s blessings come to the Jew first, then the Gentiles. God’s judgments come to the Jew first, then to the Gentile. See Romans 1:16 and Romans 2:9-10.
A person becomes a child of God when they voluntarily place their personal faith in Jesus Christ, believing His Gospel (John 3:16 and John 3:3-7).
V6 Because you are children, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, calling, “Abba, Father.”
The proof of adoption is now, after believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit. We, who believe, call God, “Our Father.”
V7 Therefore, you are no longer a servant but God’s child, and if God’s child, then an heir of God through Christ.
A great and wonderful promise. Jesus is the firstborn and has all the rights of the firstborn—leadership, twice the inheritance, and great honor.
(Holman Commentary) “Paul concludes that the Galatians were no longer slaves but were sons and heirs. Thus, under grace we have progressed from being slaves to being sons and heirs. Grace is adulthood. Law is childhood. With the privileges of adulthood, why regress back to the law?”
We learn:
- How we are adopted into God’s family.
- The importance of Jesus Christ.
Questions:
- How do you feel about being adopted by God?
- Are you living like a child of God?