Galatians 4:1-16
It’s All about Relationships
Ben Hooper was born in Newport, Tennessee in 1870 He was born out of wedlock , to Sarah Wade. As a result, He had a tough childhood, being taunted by others. In his early school years , his Grandfather died, and his mother was forced to place Ben in an Orphanage in Knoxville Tenn. At Age Nine, He was adopted by Dr. L H Hooper, and had to move back near his Newport home. At age 12, he recalls going to Church to hear the new Baptist Preacher. Here pick up the narrative, “I would go in late and slip out early. But one day the preacher said the Benediction so fast I got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. I could feel every eye in the church on Me. Just about the time I got to the door, I felt a big hand on my shoulder. I looked up and the preacher was looking right at me. ‘who are you, son? Whose boy are you?’ But as he looked down at me, studying my face, He began to smile a big smile of recognition. ‘ Wait a Minute’ he said, ‘I know who you are. I see the family resemblance. You are a son of God.’ With that he slapped me across the rump and said, ‘Boy you’re got a great inheritance. Go and Claim it.’ “ Years later Ben Hooper would write about that event and add “That was the most important single sentence ever said to me.” God used that preacher to plant the seed of Salvation.
By age 15, Ben Hoover was saved, baptized and a faithful member of that small Baptist Church in the Hills of Tennessee. Years later, He would get married, become a lawer as well as serve as the the first Republican Governor of Tennesse from 1911-1915. Governor Ben Hooper ,a man with a great inheritance and so it is with any child of God . Here in the opening verses of Chapter 4 of Galatians.
I. Our Relationship with God – Sonship (v 1-7)
A. Our Condition under the Law (v1-3)
When a boy was a minor in the eyes of the Law , He might be the owner of a vast estate but he could not make a legal decision. He was not in control of his life. Everything was done and directed for him. That’s why v 1 says he “differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;” V2 tells us that the child would be under “Tutors” and “governors”
Tutor vs. schoolmaster in 3:24
They would be in this position v2 “until the time appointed of the fathers” that age varied in the Jewish, Grecian, and Roman societies.
In the Jewish society, there would be a ceremony of manhood on the first Sabbath after the boy’s twelfth birthday. In that ceremony, the father would have a prayer of dedication and the Boy would recite some vows. There was clear mark, overnight he became a man.
In Grecian society, a boy was under his father’s care until he was 18. then he was considered a “cadet” –for two years he was under the direction of the state, living in a dorm like setting. There again was a ceremony marking this, making a distinct transition from Childhood to manhood.
Under Roman law, there was no fixed year when adulthood would kick in, It was at the fathers discretion. However, it appeared to always be between 14-17. Here to it was marked by a festival /ceremony in which he changed togas . A clear transition to Adulthood.
Spiritually, under the law, we are enslaved under the bondage of sin ( elements of the world v3) until Christ’s redemptive work on the cross Emancipated us from the the shackles of sin .
Notice v4 But (alla,) marking the strongest contrast. V1-3 look at our life under sin’s slavery. But now we Turn and see what God Did.
Notice: v4a- “when the fullness of time had come” when Jesus was born everything was just right for His arrival.
Rome was at peace providing economic and political stability. In addition, a road system was in place that afforded ease of travel over much of the region. Greek was the common language throughout much of the known world. People were Spiritually hungry.
B. Our Position in Christ (V4-7)
Notice Christ was fully human – born into our sinful world and kept the laws and traditions. However he was also divine to redeem us.
1. We are adopted into God’s family
A new mother stayed with her parents for several days after the birth of their first child. One afternoon she remarked to her mother that it was surprising that the baby had dark hair, since both her and her husband had brown blonde hair. The grandmother said “well, your daddy has black hair. “ To which the daughter replied, “but mama that doesn’t matter because I’m adopted.” With an embarrassing smile, that mother said the most wonderful words, her daughter ever heard: “I always forget.”
All gentile Christians are adopted children of God who are accepted by God with the same unconditional love that this mother had for her daughter.
2. As sons of God, we have the Spirit of God with us. The trinity is seen even at new birth or conversion experience.
3. Abba father (v6) Abba is an Aramaic word, meaning the most intimate word ie Baby saying DADDY
Christ used the term Abba, father in Mark 14:36
And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless, not what I will , but what thou whit.
As a result of Christ, we have an intimate relationship with God, the father.
4. We are Hiers with him, we have full Heirship –Romans 8:17
Once we are liberated by Christ through faith, we are all given privileges and blessings that any other child of God has. That’s Grace!!!
II Our Relationship with others (V8-16)
a. Paul’s personal appeal
With the groundwork laid, Paul exhorts the Galatian Christians to live as God’s sons and not as Satan’s slaves. V8-10
They knew they did not deserve to be His children, yet they didn’t desire to be in the family.
They were striving to obey the calendar of events laid out in the Mosaic Law in order to secure their salvation. How tragic! They knew the truth and yet ignored it.
James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your ownself
They were deceiving themselves. They were already God’s children yet they were living as orphans.
It sadden Paul to see God’s spiritual children, one’s he came along side of and discipled and encouraged, to live this way- trying to enslave themselves again not live by God’s gift of Grace.
V11 says “lest I bestowed upon you labor in vain”
Paul poured out his life over the Galatian believers, and now he’s frustrated and disappointed in them. Ie Parent to a wayward child.
V12 Paul writes “I beseech you to be as I am: for I am has ye are” Paul is urging the Galatain Christians to be like him-Free and satisfied in Christ
V13-15 Paul is reminding them what it use to be like, taking a trip down memory lane.
1. His example- when Paul came to the region he didn’t remain aloof but identified with them by adopting many of their gentile customs.
2. Their response- while he was with them, they didn’t hassle him. They responded to him with kindness, and compassion V. 14
…Ye despised not nor rejected; but received me AS AN ANGEL OF GOD EVEN AS CHRIST JESUS.
They had listened to Paul as if he were an angelic messenger sent from God. What respect and compassion they had shown.!
V15 goes on to further describe the past relationship, Paul had with the Galatian Christians;
“….for I bear you record, that if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.”
They would have done anything to meet his needs. They received Paul with joy and now they have lost that joy.
But now, since they have turned back to bondage under the law, their attitude towards Paul has shifted. It’s like Night and Day. It was has if they consider him as his enemy.
When, Paul confronted the Galatian churches about their break from the true Gospel , they turned on him, becoming defensive and despiteful. Christian unity was threatened because Paul had spoken the Truth. Yet the same problem arises today. Churches split, friendships shatter, because someone dared to tell the truth.
Friend, it doesn’t have to be that way. Truth can heal relationships, If we take off our Pride, and cloth ourselves with humility and compassion. This honors God and helps to bring Reconciliation.
Perhaps, friend, the spirit of God is speaking to you about a need in your Life, Give it to Jesus Today.
Broken and unresolved relationships hinder our walk with the Lord
Broken and unresolved relationships hinder our fellowship with the Lord and others
Broken and unresolved relationships hinder our effectness in ministry
Broken and unresolved relationships hinder our witness for the Lord.
If there is any unresolved relationships in your today , get it resolved.
For you see friend, in order to grow in our spiritual life,
In order to see fruit from our ministry.
We need to resolve this issue before the Lord and the effected individuals.
We need to bring reconciliation and forgiveness to the table before we can move on to
the level in our walk with Him.
Friend, it’s all about relationships. Note Jesus’s words recorded for us by Matthew:
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remember est that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way ; First be reconciled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift.
Matthew 5:23,24
Let’s pray
With every head bowed, every eye closed, with the soft playing music in the background. I invite to examine your heart this morning.
Perhaps the Spirit of God is speaking to you about responding to this message, I would like to pray for you. If God has spoken to you this morning , With every head bowed and every eye closed, would you slip up your hand , so I can pray for you.
Pray and closing hymn Living for Jesus #470
