Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. As we gather here today, I am reminded of the words of the esteemed Charles Spurgeon, who once said, "To trust God in the light is nothing, but to trust him in the dark, that is faith." In this world, we often find ourselves in the dark, grappling for understanding and yearning for light. But we are not alone in this darkness. God is with us, and His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

Today, we're turning our hearts and minds towards the fourth chapter of Galatians. It is a passage that reminds us of God's perfect timing, the fulfillment of His prophecies, and the freedom we receive through His son, Jesus Christ. I invite you to open your Bibles and read along with me:

"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir." (Galatians 4:4-7)

Isn't it comforting to know that God's timing is always perfect? That He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, at the exact right moment in history to fulfill prophecy and redeem us from the bondage of sin? And isn't it liberating to realize that we, who were once slaves to sin, are now called children of God and heirs to His kingdom?

As we prepare to delve deeper into these profound truths, let's bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which serves as a beacon of hope in our often confusing world. As we study the book of Galatians today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to the truths contained within. Help us to understand and appreciate the significance of Your perfect timing, the fulfillment of Your prophecies, and the freedom we have through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask all these things in Jesus' name, amen.

Transition. So, dear friends, let's embark on this journey together, trusting in the light of God's Word to guide us every step of the way.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

In the heart of the passage we've read today, we find a profound truth. God, in His divine wisdom and power, orchestrated the arrival of His Son, Jesus Christ, at a precise moment in history. This was not a random event. It was a divinely appointed moment, a fulfillment of prophecies that had been spoken centuries before.

The prophets of old, guided by the Holy Spirit, had foretold the coming of a Messiah. They spoke of a Savior who would be born of a woman, a clear reference to the virgin birth of Jesus. They also prophesied that He would be born under the law, a nod to the Jewish heritage of Jesus and His adherence to the Mosaic law.

When we look at the life of Jesus, we see these prophecies fulfilled in meticulous detail. His birth to the virgin Mary, His Jewish lineage, His adherence to the law - all these aspects of His life were in perfect alignment with the prophecies. This is not a coincidence. It is a testament to the sovereignty and faithfulness of God, who always keeps His promises.

But the fulfillment of prophecy is also about God's redemptive plan for humanity. When Jesus was born, He was born into a world steeped in sin and brokenness. The law, which was meant to guide people towards righteousness, had become a yoke of bondage. People were striving to earn God's favor through their own efforts, but they were falling short. They needed a Savior, someone who could redeem them from the curse of the law.

And that's exactly what Jesus came to do. He lived a life of perfect obedience to the law, something no other human being could do. He then offered Himself as a sacrifice, taking the punishment that we deserved for our sins. Through His death and resurrection, He broke the power of sin and death, offering us a way to be reconciled with God.

This is the heart of the gospel message. It's not just about a historical event or a fulfilled prophecy. It's about a loving God who sent His Son to save us from our sins. It's about a Savior who willingly laid down His life for us.

Father's Perfect Timing

As we continue to reflect on the passage from Galatians 4:4-7, we find ourselves drawn to the phrase "when the set time had fully come ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO