From Slavery to Sonship: Understanding Our Identity in Christ

Galatians 4:12–31

Galatians 4:12–31 ESV

12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written,

“Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;

break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!

For the children of the desolate one will be more

than those of the one who has a husband.”

28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.

1. Paul's Passionate Plea

Galatians 4:12–18 ESV

12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are.

You could emphasize Paul's heartfelt plea to the Galatians to return to the truth they initially received.

Paul had deep personal concern about how relationship with Jesus and having faith comes through him not the law. This should remind us of the aspect of sonship where allegiance and connection to Christ bring freedom.

2. Promise of the Spirit

Galatians 4:18–26 ESV

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.

3. Freedom in the Promise

Galatians 4:27–31 ESV

27 For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;

break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!

For the children of the desolate one will be more

than those of the one who has a husband.”

28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.

This suggests embracing the joy and freedom found in Christ rather than clinging to the law.

Guys this message is so important to how we go through life..

we can live in the liberty Christ has won, no longer as slaves, but as sons and daughters.

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, we see a young man who squanders his inheritance and returns home broken and ashamed. Instead of being cast out, his father runs to him, embraces him, and throws a feast. This parable illustrates that God doesn’t just welcome us back; He reinstates us as heirs in His kingdom. We are called to live in that freedom and identity, letting go of the past and embracing the love that makes us His sons and daughters, no longer in bondage to regret.

ITs ok to be sorry about the things we do and we should…but we dont have to stay there. In the cross in Jesus there is freedom

Sometimes our intended Bible time at home doesnt go as planned and that can be frustrating

My favorite part about the ministry I get to do at the prison is coming home to tell my family what happened and how God moved. It is a wonderful thing to get to praise God together. I hope you are able to do it in your own homes.

Ill end with a quote from Mother Teresa…

“IF you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”

Lets Pray…