Now that Paul reinforced the fact salvation comes from faith rather than the law, the apostle shift the focus of his letter to encompass the promise made by God to all those who put their trust in His son Jesus Christ.
First Paul states that in deed, by faith in Jesus Christ all believers are sons and daughters of God. Through baptism in the Holy Spirit those born again have moved from darkness to light, from spiritual nakedness to wearing the everlasting garment that is Jesus Christ.
“26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27)
Paul then addresses contrasts between believers utilizing opposites to describe the family of God. By eliminating polarity among the church the apostle allows for those in Christ to fully understand God’s promise is not relative to creed but to one factor alone: faith.
“28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
To be one in Christ is to be heir to the gift of eternal life according to the promise made by God to Abraham. All those who accept Christ as Lord and savior and who repent of their sins are known as the seed of Abraham, mentioned numerous times throughout this letter to the Galatians.
“29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29)
Just as Christ is the seed of Abraham, all believers make up the spiritual seed of the “father of the Jewish nation” thereby inheriting the great reward associated with God’s promise to Abraham and his seed which is a place in heaven for all eternity.
Paul now uses a metaphor to compare God’s children to slaves, then heirs which is in prefect harmony with those who believe in Jesus Christ, servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, at the same time children and heirs of God almighty.
“1 What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father.” (Galatians 4:1-2)
Then Paul confronts the Galatians with the law, when all the children of Israel were in bondage to the law. Upon Jesus’ sacrifice all the children of Israel were delivered, freed from the bondage of the law according to God’s perfect plan.
“3 So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” (Galatians 4:3-5)
The full rights is the inheritance, eternal life, the promise made by God to all those who believe in His son Jesus Christ.
Only those in Christ, those who believe, repent and accept God’s will for their lives will in inherit the inheritance. Anyone relying on works or ritualistic sacrifice for salvation is bound for hell, bound as the jews are to the law following deliverance according to prophecy, according to the word of God found throughout the bible.
“6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4:6)
All those in Christ are blessed with the Holy Spirit that dwells within them, pouring out like a stream down a mountain side unto pastures which make up each believer’s mission field. Fulfillment of our mission is part of the sanctification process at the root of each believer’s rewards in tune with God’s promise.
“7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:7)
As heirs to the everlasting inheritance that is eternal life in heaven, all believers are counted as sons and daughters of God. The spiritual seed of Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, it is by God’s grace that we are saved.
In this scripture the apostle Paul hopes the Galatians, much like ourselves, as obedient children will honor our heavenly father, holding steadfast to the truth so we are found blameless upon Christ’ return. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
