Chico Alliance Church
“Sons of God”
True freedom comes by grace through faith in Christ
I. Paul Possessed the Correct credentials 1-2
Paul taught only what he received directly from Christ Himself.
II. Paul Proclaimed the Correct Concept of Grace 2:15-4:31
Right standing before God comes only through faith in Christ apart from works.
A. Paul Introduced the theme 2:15-21
B. Paul Argued and Illustrated the theme 3:1-4:31
1. Faith Argued by clarifying interrogation 3:1-6
2. Genuine faith illustrated by Abraham 3:7-29
a. God blessed Abraham on the basis of his faith 3:7-9
b. The Law condemns all who don’t keep it fully 3:10-12
c. Christ was cursed so we could be blessed 3:13-14
d. The promised blessing is unconditional and eternal 3:15-18
e. God gave the law to point out sin 3:19-20
f. The law is good but cannot save 3:21-24
The Law is a reflection of the righteous and holy character of God. The Law was given to clarify the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man. The law is good and holy.
The problem lies not with God but with us. We simply can’t keep the law. We continually violate the moral law of God to our detriment and His disappointment This bent or ours to operate contrary to the moral character of God bears consequences whether there we do it consciously or unconsciously. The Law was given to demonstrate the absolute inability of man to live righteously. The Law shuts everyone under sin. The Law is a tutor that graphically demonstrates our need for help outside of ourselves. The Law cannot give life.
The law cannot keep us from transgressing. It can only expose our transgression and judge us accordingly. Law is for the lawless. Paul says that the law is weak in that it cannot energize the flesh to keep the law. The Law cannot cleanse or forgive sin. The law can only bring us to the cross and no further. We must by faith submit to the regenerating, purifying process of the Spirit. Christ became a curse for us. He became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. The law serves to illustrate the futility of self-righteousness and the necessity of coming to God by faith in order to receive a new, heart, a renewed spirit, His righteousness.
By faith in Christ we are declared righteous. Not guilty!
But that is not all that happens when Christ redeems us from the curse of the law.
g. We are Blessed by faith in Christ 3:25-29
3. New life illustrated by sonship 4:1-31
a. Slavery verses sonship 4:1-11
The issue requiring attention here, has to do with the Galatian believer’s return to ceremony, ritual and keeping law as the basis of their continuing relationship with God. Those who continually subject themselves to strong external controls and rules never the experience intimacy of relationship with God. Only as we learn to make decisions based on developed character and genuine love for God through continual submission to Christ do we mature in our walk and faith in Christ. So Paul attempts to explain to these Christians the seriousness of returning to a principle of law and ceremony.
In this next section of Scripture, Paul reminds them of their previous condition.
• He recounts the action of God on their behalf.
• He applies the truth to their present thinking and behavior.
• He expresses deep concern over their failure to properly live according to the truth.
THEIR PREVIOUS CONDITION OR STATE
4:1 NOW I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father.
Perhaps Paul picks up on the previous teaching concerning our new identity and heritage in Christ. He contrasts the state of a child under the authority of a tyrannical, condemning parent unable to choose, with adoption and elevation to adulthood under a new parent in the family of God. All children are bound to obey the authority of parents and guardians no matter their heritage. When it comes to living under authority, they are no different than slaves. All through this passage are references to our previous condition as slaves and bondage and control.
4:3 So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world.
However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. 4:8
Here Paul urges the Galatians to remember their previous condition and what God did to change it. Much of our struggle in this life begins with a memory lapse or block regarding our true identity in Christ. Paul deals with the issue of their return to ritualistic legalism by focusing on what they came out of and what God did for them. When you add the other references in this passage to the picture here, you can follow Paul’s attempt to jog their memory concerning their previous state so as to appreciate their present status.
7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
8 However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods.
The picture and reminder is the slave nature of their previous existence. They were enslaved to “elemental things”. There has been considerable debate concerning what Paul means by this term. The basic meaning of the term has to do with one in a series of things. It was used a letter of the alphabet in relation to the whole. It referred to the basic elements of the earth, fire, wind, water. It also was used in reference to astral or spirit beings.
It is the reference in verse 8 that draws me to suspect some sort of reference to demonic bondage stemming from acceptance of false teaching regarding spirituality. All religions specify certain ceremony and law required to please the gods. Both Jew and Gentile understood such a system. They embraced religion that continually pressured them to perform and demonstrate self-righteousness through specific ceremony and certain activities intended to please God. These rituals and ceremonies were self focused non God focuses. They were ritual based not relationship based. Paul reminds them that when they did not have a true knowledge of God, they were slaves to a demonically designed and driven system. These abusive guardians worked diligently at keeping their “children” in continual bondage and servitude through guilt and helpless devotion to self-righteousness.
If we focus on ceremony and law-keeping rather than communication and relationship with God through Christ, we become enslaved to something that has no power or intention to impart life. The law kills, the spirit imparts life. All children are under authority. Before our adoption into the family of God we were helpless children under the control and authority of the “elemental things.” Living by the law is not a step toward maturity but a step backward into infancy.
Having touched on what life was like under slavery, Paul highlights here two key intervening actions of God on our behalf; each with two corresponding effects or results. You say I don’t have the problem that the Galatians had. Don’t be too quick to judge. Even so, maturity comes from understanding the truth.
GOD’S INTERVENTION & RESULTS
ACTION ONE -- Resulting In A New Relationship
4:4-5 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
ACTION – God sent forth His Son
When “at the fullness of time”
Many studies have been done regarding the advantages of the time frame of Christ’s entrance. There are many factors that made the time right. Language development, system of roads, Government, sense of need etc.
What “God sent forth” (exapostello)
Common word for sending a messenger or representative with full vision and authority.
It is the same word used concerning the twelve apostles.
Who “His Son born of a woman born under the law”
The plan to send Jesus to the earth came long before the baby at Bethlehem. Jesus did not come into existence at Bethlehem. He has eternal existed in absolute glory and communion with the Father and Spirit as the beloved son. Jesus left the glories of heaven to enter the gloom of earth that we might one day experience with Him the glories of heaven and witness a restored glorious new haven and new earth.
At the right time, the God sent his Son to earth to be born of a woman under the full authority of the law. As a representative of both God and man, Jesus came to facilitate or effect two things.
Why “so that He might redeem those under the law”
“so that we might receive the adoption as sons”
In our present context I think the redemption or purchasing back has to do with a redemption from an abusive, controlling, destructive, condemning family system. It is one thing to be rescued from a destructive family situation; but then what? Not only did God send Jesus to rescue us from the abuse of the law and the bondage of demonic religious systems imposed on men throughout history, but he came to offer us adoption into His family as a son of God. God adopted us as sons into a brand new family system.
Ephesians 1:5 In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Paul deals with defection from the truth by calling them to remember the truth. God sent Jesus into the world at just the right time.
To rescue and redeem you from condemning, destructive family system.
To offer you adoption into a new, glorious, life-producing family system.
ACTION TWO -- Based On Our New Relationship
“Because you are sons” God also sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts.
What does He do there? Among other things, “Cries Abba! Father!”
The word used here for “cry” is a powerful, passionate word.
The demons cry out when confronted by Jesus and commanded leave their host.
The blind man cried out for mercy.
The father of the demonized boy cried out in desperation.
The crowds cried out in jubilation at Jesus entrance into Jerusalem.
If the disciples were silent the rocks would cry out.
Jesus cried out on several occasions.
Here, God sent the Spirit of Jesus into our hearts to cry out a cry of belonging and deeply felt relationship with the Father. God sent his son into this world to provide us the status of adoption. God sent the Spirit of His Son to provide us with the personal experience of adoption.
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"
RESULT
What is the result of the indwelling presence of Christ in our heart?
On the basis of His indwelling presence, we are no longer a slaves but a sons of the God.
On the basis of His indwelling presence, we are no longer homeless but heirs of promise.
Paul soundly drives home the point of their new heritage as sons of the living God.
Do we understand the enormity of this truth? This is NOT just words describing positional truth. Adoption into the family of God is real, actual and life changing. It is the foundation for the development of a powerful, life transforming relationship. What does it mean to be a child of God? We relate as beloved children not slaves. We are heirs not homeless.
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:15-17
The Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, Ephes. 3:6
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. Titus 3:5-8
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30
We are Christians because Christ dwells in us. If Christ dwells in us we are being made into His likeness until he comes again!
See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! But the people who belong to this world don't know God, so they don't understand that we are his children. Yes, dear friends, we are already God's children, and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who believe this will keep themselves pure, just as Christ is pure. 1 John 3:1-3
You see, the motive for the genuine Christian to walk with God is not law. Law drives us to faith in His promise to make us like Christ. The motive to walk with God is a new life, a new identity, a new power, a new heart, a new purpose, a new family system, a changed life. Let us not return to the old system of ritual and ceremony rather than relationship and commitment. On the basis of this truth Paul passionately addresses the truth of sonship to the current situation.
APPLICATION
However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods.
Again, Paul draws them to recall their previous condition. Then he propels them to rethink their present condition.
9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God,
I find it significant the emphasis on God’s initiative that Paul continual appeals. We love Him because He first loved us. No one come to Christ but He be drawn by the Father. Life eternal to know and be known by God. Next Paul deals with the issue at hand.
how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again?
You are going back to the old ways of thinking and acting. Example: “You observe days and months and seasons and years.” They somehow had returned to the comfortable but miserable practice of ceremony and ritual in place of the life-changing daily walk by the power of relationship with the indwelling Spirit of Christ.
CONCERN
I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.
Paul expresses deep concern that having pointed the way to freedom from an abusive family situation and adoption into a blessed family situation they now are tricked by the Judaizers to go back to their previous situation.
CHICO APPLICATION
How does this all apply to us to day? What difference does it make in our everyday life? If you are caught up in religion and ritual and keeping laws and performing certain ceremonies rather than a daily dependent relationship to God as loving Father, you need the truths of this passage reaffirmed in your mind. Is Christianity for you certain rituals and celebrations and ceremonies intended only to keep you in good graces with God and soothe your guilt? Or do you have a refreshing daily communion with the living God out of a deep desire to seek Him and pursue intimate relationship with Him? Our desire to please God must be without a felt need to justify ourselves or earn His acceptance or demonstrate self-righteousness. Actions stemming from that motivation are at their core, self-centered. We are ultimately trying more to gain something for ourselves rather than abandon ourselves to God.
“He that would save his live will loose it. He that gives his life for my sake will find it.”
God makes it possible to live beyond the fear of rejection. He wants us to learn what is pleasing to Him and do what is pleasing to Him purely because we want to please Him out of a heart that is deeply devoted to him and him alone. The Galatians had reverted to rituals intended to gain approval not demonstrate devotion. They had abandoned the richness of selfless relationship for the emptiness of selfish ritual. What about us?
Why do you do what you do? What do you hope to gain?
Are you angry at God because he doesn’t appreciate your devoted ritual?
Ceremonies
Days – Sunday Service
Months – Monthly communion service
Seasons – Christmas, Easter
Years – Child dedication, wedding, anniversary, birthday
Rituals
Table Grace - “Devotions” -- Bible Reading -- Prayers
If our relationship with God does not go beyond the observance of certain days and routines intended to gain approval or escape disapproval, we have fallen into the trap of legalism and empty religion. No wonder we feel empty and Christianity seem so meaningless and passe. If your pursuit of God only takes place on specified times and through certain ceremonies, you have fallen into the trap of self-serving religion.
The solution
Focus on the magnitude of the truth regarding God’s pursuit of us.
• God sent His Son into the world to redeem us from the law’s curse and condemnation.
• God sent His Son into the world to offer adoption into His family.
• God sent His Spirit into our hearts to affirm sonship.
• God sent His Spirit into our hearts to guarantee inheritance.
We are redeemed not condemned
We are adopted not rejected
We are sons not slaves.
We are heirs not homeless.
Life in the new family is radically different than that of the past. The old life depended on perfectly keeping the rules or you were condemned. The new life functions on continually believing the promises and we are blessed. Blessing in the old family was based on our performance. Blessing in the new family is based on His promise to make us like Jesus.
REFLECT on your present relationship with Christ
REPENT of any self-centered relating
RENEW your mind with the truth of your sonship
RESPOND to God with gratitude and humble surrender
RESOLVE to Relate daily and give him his rightful place
PERSONAL APPLICATIONS AND REFLECTIONS
