Key Scripture: But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as children. ~ Galatians 4:4-5
Galatians 4:1-18
1 But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a bondservant, though he is lord of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed by the father. 3 So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, 5 that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as children. 6 And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba,✡ Father!” 7 So you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
8 However at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again? 10 You observe days, months, seasons, and years. 11 I am afraid for you, that I might have wasted my labor for you.
12 I beg you, brothers, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong, 13 but you know that because of weakness in the flesh I preached the Good News to you the first time. 14 That which was a temptation to you in my flesh, you didn’t despise nor reject; but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15 What was the blessing you enjoyed? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They zealously seek you in no good way. No, they desire to alienate you, that you may seek them. 18 But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you.
Study Questions:
- At the end of the reading for the last lesson, Paul states that we are heirs of the promise. In today’s reading, he uses this analogy to discuss the upbringing of an heir. Who is the child Paul is referring to in verse 1? Deuteronomy 7:6; How can they also be a bondservant? John 8:34; Colossians 2:20-23
- If the child in this verse represents the Jews, who would be the guardians and stewards mentioned in verse 2? Galatians 3:24
- Paul uses the word “we” not “you” in verses 3, 4, and 5, so who did Jesus redeem from under the law? Were the Gentiles ever under the law of Moses as a means of redemption?
- In verse 6 Paul changes from we to you, how are the Galatians (Gentiles) children of God? Galatians 3:26
- The word Abba means Father or Daddy. Take a moment to consider that you, as a believer, have this type of relationship with the Creator of the universe. Discuss.
- How does verse 7 correlate to John 8:35-36?
- Prior to their conversion, who were the Galatians in bondage to? Galatians 4:8; Psalms 135:15-18; Habakkuk 2:18-19; 1 Corinthians 12:2 What were the elemental principles that had caused the gentiles to be in bondage? Colossians 3:5; 1 Peter 4:3
- Paul’s specific meaning is not clear in verses 9-10 and is often taken out of context. What was clear is that they were being admonished for turning back to what they knew before they knew God. What do you think Paul meant by these statements and how does it apply to us today?
- Share a modern-day example of how the Lord has used a life situation to open the door to sharing the Gospel message the way Paul was used in verses 12-14.
- How receptive were the Galatians to Paul and the Gospel message? Galatians 4:14-15
- What does Paul think is the real reason the Judaizers are trying to convince the Galatians to obey the law? Galatians 4:17
Memory Verse: And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. ~ Galatians 4:6-7
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✡ 4:6 Abba is a Greek spelling for the Aramaic word for “Father” or “Daddy” used in a familiar, respectful, and loving way.