No Longer Slaves

Galatians 4:1–11 ESV

1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.

Summer Playlist Series

No Longer Slaves

Never Gonna Stop Singin’

Hallelujah for the Cross

It is Well

Amazing Grace

Living Hope

Here as in Heaven

The Playlist Service

Recap

Galatians 4:8–10 ESV

8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years!

Gal 4:

“Weak and worthless elementary principles” I automatically think of:

Bigger is better

Comfort is the non-negotiable

Above all: pursue happiness

Class this week:

James Cone’s “God of the Oppressed” (Jesus as liberator from oppression)

Roberto Goizueta “Caminemos Con Jesus” (walking with Jesus through exile)

Simon Chan “Grassroots Asian Theology” (torment of ancestors)

While important… the basis for culture of millions — even billions — all around the world, we do not need to be enslaved when we have been set free to be children of God.

Paul writes to a people whose weak and worthless elementary principles: LAW and TRADITION

To the Jew

To the Asian

To the Hispanic/Latino

To the African American

To the Caucasian

Galatians 4:4–7 ESV

4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.