From Slavery to Sonship
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From Slavery to Sonship

Galatians 4:1–11  (ID: 1404)

In writing to the believers at Galatia, the apostle Paul illustrated both the unlimited resources and limited rights that belong to those who are united with Christ through the Gospel. Adopted through salvation’s plan, the believer has been released from the bondage of sin and made a joint heir with Christ in the riches of the Father’s love. Alistair Begg urges us to continually correct our focus and persevere in faith, remembering what we once were as we rejoice in the salvation that belongs to those who are in Christ.

Series Containing This Sermon

A Study in Galatians, Volume 1

Right with God Galatians 1:1–5:12 Series ID: 14801


Sons and Heirs

1I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave,1 though he is the owner of everything, 2but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles2 of the world. 4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Paul's Concern for the Galatians

8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.

Copyright © 2024, Alistair Begg. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.

Alistair Begg
Alistair Begg is Senior Pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Bible teacher on Truth For Life, which is heard on the radio and online around the world.