GALATIANS 4:1-7 | REMEMBER WHOSE YOU ARE

Praise God for organizations like the one we have been able to support that have stepped in and helped these young people and the foster parents that have opened their homes.

And then on some occasions, things take a step beyond foster care, into the realm of adoption.

The point at which that child doesn’t just stay with a family for a period of time and the family is able to help provide for their needs and take care of them.

But that family makes that young person a legal part of their family.

I’ve had the privilege on a couple of occasions to be in the courtroom when that judge makes the final declaration that the child is now adopted into that new family.

It was a sweet moment in both the life of that family as well as that young person.

EXPLANATION: Here in Galatians 4, Paul brings to the table a powerful example of what takes place in the life of the person that becomes a child of God.

In the second half of v.5, Paul says, Galatians 4:5

Galatians 4:5 KJV 1900

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

He says that they might “receive the adoption of sons.”

Now, for us to fully understand what Paul is saying here, we have to step back from our 21st century understanding of adoption and put on the lenses of the 1st century Jew.

Because adoption meant something different to them.

But it carries with it some incredible truths for us today!

This morning, let’s learn just what it means to be adopted by the Lord!

V.1-3, THE BONDAGE OF THE HEIR

Galatians 4:1–3 KJV 1900

Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

EXPLANATION: Paul finished chapter 3 talking about how we have become an “Heir”

Galatians 3:29 KJV 1900

And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

It’s almost as if it sparks something in his thinking as now he turns from the “promise” he has been talking about in chapter 3, to the heir in chapter 4.

In the Jewish culture, a child had no rights.

They were placed under “tutors and governors”

We might call them guardians today.

These legal guardians were often slaves that served in the house of the master.

Their responsibility was to care for and teach the child.

Now the son who was the heir had all of the inheritance already designated to them.

They were, in fact, the next in line for all of the possessions and wealth that may have been in home.

But as a child, they didn’t have access to any of it.

For all intents and purposes, they were given the same rights as the slaves that were watching over them.

The inheritance was available to them… but something had to happen first.

There was an “appointed time” that had to come first.

And for these Galatian believers that Paul was writing to, that was exactly where they had been.

They were enslaved to their religious rituals and practices.

Whether it was trying to follow the Jewish law or follow some other man made religion, they were in bondage to the “elements of the world”

ILLUSTRATION: The word “elements” that Paul uses here is a word that carries with it the “elementary principles”

It’s like when you were in school and you were learning the first things.

Elementary things like your A,B,C’s

Like counting.

Like telling time

That’s a big one in our house right now.

Jaxon always wants to know how long until the next exciting thing.

We will tell him it’s 3 days away.

“But count them”

He’s so excited about Easter and he’s asked at least 20 times, how much longer?

And I’ll tell him and then he will so, “No count them”

What does that even mean?

APPLICATION: So many people are in bondage to the elementary practices of religion

You know, the basic parts that span all religion:

Go to church

Be a good person

Get baptized

Give money

Read your Bible

Pray everyday

Do enough good to outweigh your bad

And then you will gain access into heaven!

And so people try to do ENOUGH good things to make sure their ticket is punched.

But here is the problem… Who is the judge that determines if it is enough?

Is it some man that can tell you if you’ve done enough?

Is there some scale somewhere that will tell you when it’s enough?

ILLUSTRATION: I’ve had this conversation with people before and when I’ve asked them the question about who determines if they’ve done enough, most of the time the answer is the same:

“Well, I just think I’ve done enough for God to let me into heaven.”

APPLICATION: For most people the final judge is themselves.

And they’ve learned it from religion.

Because religion says if you just do enough good things, then you can go to heaven.

And they are under the bondage of the “elements of the world”

Under the “elementary practices” of religion.

Maybe that is you this morning

You’ve been trying to follow the A,B,C’s of religion.

And Paul says, trying to follow those things all the times is bondage.

There is an inheritance that is available to you, but something has to happen first!

And it isn’t the bondage of religion.

So what is it that has to happen.

THE BONDAGE OF THE HEIR

V.4-5, THE DELIVERANCE OF THE SON

Galatians 4:4 KJV 1900

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

EXPLANATION: 2000 years ago, there was a baby that was born.

It was a baby that was born in a way that never happened before… he was born from the seed of a woman.

We talked last week about back in Galatians 3:19

Galatians 3:19 KJV 1900

Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

The seed that came was not born of man… He was born of the Holy Spirit.

That child was Jesus Christ!

Paul tells us that He was born at the perfect time in God’s plan.

And when He was born, he was made “under the law”

This is so important… Jesus wasn’t born outside the law.

Jesus wasn’t above the law so He didn’t have to submit to it.

He was born under the law, just like you and I were.

This goes back to what we talked about last week with the Abrahamic covenant and how Abraham, to keep his end of the covenant, could never have broken the law.

But he did!

And so have you and I.

So we are condemned to the consequences of having broken that covenant!

But Jesus came under that same law, and yet He never once broke it!

Hebrews 4:15 KJV 1900

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Jesus fulfilled all of the law!

And then 2000 years ago, on Palm Sunday that so many celebrate today, Jesus rode into Jerusalem.

Matthew details the account in Matthew 21:6-9

Matthew 21:6–9 KJV 1900

And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

The people lined the streets and sang our praises to the One Who they believed had come to save them.

But they believed He was coming to overthrow the Roman government that had oppressed them.

They believed He was coming to set up His earthly kingdom.

They believe He was coming as a King to conquer

But Jesus was coming into that city as a Lamb to die.

Yes Jesus came at the perfect time with a specific purpose.

v.5 tells us, Galatians 4:5

Galatians 4:5 KJV 1900

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

This is such a unique verse.

Jesus came to redeem them that were under the law.

There have been some that believed that Jesus came only for a certain group or number of people.

But Paul makes clear just who all Jesus came for… He came for “them that were under the law”

And friend that included everyone!

1 Timothy 2:3–4 KJV 1900

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9 KJV 1900

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Yes Jesus came to redeem all who were under the law.

He came to justify them in the sight of God.

Romans 5:1 KJV 1900

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

To be justified is a legal term used in the court to determine that someone is declared righteous.

To be cleared of all charges against them.

It is as if in the courtroom of God, if you have accepted Christ as your Savior, He looses the shackles from your hands and feet and declares that you are free!

Praise God for the redeeming justification in Christ.

But Paul takes things a step further.

He says that not only does He redeem us, but He adopts us as sons.

Now this is so important for us to understand in context.

ILLUSTRATION: The word adoption meant something different to the people of that day.

In the Jewish culture, the son who was a child was under those tutors and teachers didn’t have access to the inheritance of the father.

He was looked at as being on the same level as the slave.

But there was a day that would be appointed by that boys father, in which that son would be given all the full rights and inheritance.

On that day, the boy would take of his boyish robe that symbolized the bondage that he had to remain under as a child.

And then he would put on the man’s robe, and thus gain access to all the privileges and rights of his father.

He was adopted into the family.

EXPLANATION: Paul writes to these Galatian believers and he is painting the picture of just what happens when they accepted Christ as their Savior.

They were adopted, “As sons”

This was so important once again, because a daughter did not receive the same inheritance as the son.

But Paul points to the fact that it didn’t matter who you are or where you came from, back in Galatians 3:28, when you accept Christ, you receive the “adoption of sons”

One writer said it this way, “When God justifies us, He makes us right before a Holy God… but adoption is where God get’s off of the bench comes down and wraps his arms around you and says, “Come home with me… your mine!”

APPLICATION: Friend, if you have accepted Christ, you are no longer a slave to this world, you are adopted into God’s family!

You have all the blessings of a child of God.

And what exactly does that mean?

Well I’m glad you asked, because Paul tells us in these next verses:

V.6-7, THE ACCESS TO THE FATHER

EXPLANATION: Paul has given an earthly example of what it means to be adopted by God.

To be given all the blessings of an heir.

And now he turns the clock back even more to give another earthly example.

Galatians 4:6 KJV 1900

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

The word Abba is an Aramaic word that carried with it the most personal relationship between a father and son.

ILLUSTRATION: When you have a child, there are so many exciting changes that take place.

You can’t wait for their eyes to start to focus

You can’t wait for them to hold their head up

You can’t wait for them to rollover

You can’t wait for them to begin to crawl.

But maybe one of the most exciting parts is what will be there first words?

And who’s name will they say first, momma or dada.

We have reached the point where our older kids have started calling me dad.

But every once in a while, they will still call me “Daddy”

And there is just something about being “daddy”

EXPLANATION: The phrase Paul points to here, “Abba” may have been the first word to leave the lips of that baby boy… Dada

When a baby is at that infancy stage of “dada” they are completely dependent on their daddy.

They must rely on “dada” and “momma” for everything.

And that mom and dad will love that child so much that they will do anything to take care of them.

That is the relationship Paul is saying we have with our Father.

It is a relationship with God in which we can and should wholly depend on Him.

Matthew 7:11 KJV 1900

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

APPLICATION: Friend, if as earthly parents we want to take care of our children, how much more does our heavenly Father want to take care of you.

We have a Father that loves us so much He will bless you with blessings beyond your imagination

Ephesians 3:20 KJV 1900

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

We have a Father that loves us so much He will correct you when you go astray.

Proverbs 3:12 KJV 1900

For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

We have a Father Who knows how to give us exactly what we need

Matthew 6:31–32 KJV 1900

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

We have a Father Who wants to hear from His children

Jeremiah 33:3 KJV 1900

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

And your heavenly Father has an inheritance that He wants to bestow upon you!

Ephesians 1:3 KJV 1900

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

John 14:2–3 KJV 1900

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Your heavenly Father wants you to depend on Him

Matthew 11:28–30 KJV 1900

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

1 Peter 5:7 KJV 1900

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

CONCLUSION

There are some of you here today, and you didn’t have the luxury of an earthly Father that demonstrated this kind of love.

You didn’t experience an earthly father who was dependable.

You didn’t experience an earthly father who showed you love.

I’ve got great news this morning… God is in the foster care business!

And He will take you in and He will adopt you as His own child!

Friend, if you have never joined the family of God, why not join today?

And we aren’t talking about joining a church.

We aren’t talking about doing some religious works… no that is bondage!

There is only one way to become a part of God’s family

And Titus 3:5

Titus 3:5 KJV 1900

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

John 14:6 KJV 1900

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

On Friday we are going to take a look at the sacrifice Jesus made when He died on the cross.

But Jesus didn’t die on that cross just for a show.

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Why?

Romans 3:23 KJV 1900

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:10 KJV 1900

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Isaiah 64:6 KJV 1900

But we are all as an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; And we all do fade as a leaf; And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Joining the family of God isn’t about the good works that you do!

Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV 1900

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

No friend, there is only one way to be a part of God’s family.

Romans 10:9–10 KJV 1900

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

If you have never accepted Christ as your Savior, why don’t you get it settled today!

Friend, if you have accepted Christ, why are you living like you are still just a slave?

You are a child of God!

Galatians 4:7 KJV 1900

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

ILLUSTRATION: As a teenager you do a lot of dumb things.

I can remember on occasion before I would leave the house my dad would say to me… “Son, remember who you are.”

Now he wasn’t worried I was going to have a lapse in my memory and forget my name and where I was from.

He didn’t live in constant fear that I would develop amnesia.

No, he was saying remember that family you belong to.

Remember who you represent.

APPLICATION: Christian, remember who you are!

You weren’t a mistake

You aren’t a failure

You aren’t unloved.

You are a child of the King!

So choose today to start living like you are!

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