Welcome to the Family
Sons of God (3:26-29)
During this time, the Greco-Roman culture emphasized wealth and status.
The law is visualized in one sense as a narrow-minded teacher who insist on emphasizing trivial points of learning
Sons of God through Christ (26)
We had to learn the necessities (Law) in order to appreciate the liberties (Grace) of life. The law had its purpose it was not in vain. IT was arranged to graduate us toward Grace. However, many people today still have come into the understanding of what Grace is all about; therefore, they choose to continually live their lives in bondage---As they try to appear mature in their faith they actual exude immaturity.
Baptized w/Christ (27-29)
“put on Christ” (27) it refers to the act of one entering into an actual relationship with some one else.[1]
Romans 13:11-14 - 11 When you do those things, keep in mind the times we are living in. The hour has come for you to wake up from your sleep. Our full salvation is closer now than it was when we first believed in Christ. 12 The dark night of evil is nearly over. The day of Christ's return is almost here. So let us get rid of the works of darkness. Let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us act as we should, like people living in the daytime. Have nothing to do with wild parties. Don't get drunk. Don't take part in sexual sins or evil conduct. Don't fight with each other. Don't be jealous of anyone. 14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ as your clothing. Don't think about how to satisfy what your sinful nature wants.
Heirs of God (4:1-3)
(v1) Child – refers to one who is immature, intellectually and morally.
(v2) Guardian (tutor) – reference 3:24
Tutor = Remember when you were younger and you were learning the ABCs and 123s.
It was essential that we learn these elementary principles of life in order to read/write/count/calculate/and even evaluate.
(v2) Governor/steward = overseer of the
child’s property.
(v3) Elements = paganistic rituals
World = humanity
Son of God – Son of Man (4:4-7)
(v4) Fullness of time = @ the right time. This was not a minute too soon or a moment too late. Imagine if Christ had came right after the Adamic Fall in Genesis – would man have had the amount of time necessary to fully grasp his need for redemption?
(v4) Sent forth = (exapostello)
Apostle (apostello) = referes to the act of
one who sends another with a commission
to do something, the person sent being
given credentials (Ambassador).[2]
Hebrews 3:1Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, (ESV)
(v5) Redeem = to buy out of a slave market
1. Christ came to redeem those under
the (slavery) of the Mosaic Law
system
2. Christ came to secure the sonship of
the believer. [3]
Therefore, by setting the captor free, Christ then made it possible for the captive to be “adopted” into His family.
One cannot set a slave free without pay his price of freedom.
That’s why when Paul says he is a bondservant of the Lords – he is acknowledging the price that was paid for his freedom and out of his indebtedness – he is giving his freedom to a lifetime of service for the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:20 - When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.
Note: the Law Crucified Christ Grace Resurrected Him.
Living under the Law = God is our Judge
Living under Grace = God is our Father
(v6) Crying = “a loud and earnest cry” or a public announcement
Matthew 9:27 - When Jesus was leaving there, two blind men followed him. They cried out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"
Romans 9:27 - And Isaiah calls out (solemnly cries aloud) over Israel: Though the number of the sons of Israel be like the sand of the sea, only the remnant (a small part of them) will be saved [from perdition, condemnation, judgment]! (Amplified)
John 7:28 Jesus, teaching in the Temple, cried out, "Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. But I have not come by my own authority. I was sent by the One who is true, whom you don't know. 37 On the last and most important day of the feast Jesus stood up and said in a loud voice, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. (NCV)
(7) slave = servant
Under the law, a nonbeliever was look upon as an immature child; however, under Grace the believer is perceived as a Mature Adult Son.
Verse 7 translates this way:
So that no longer are you a slave but a son, and since (you are) a son, (you are) also an heir through God.
The Father sent the Son to die for us and He sent His Spirit to live in us.[4]
The Child The Son[5]
1. By regeneration By adoption
2. Entering the fam Enjoying the fam
3. Under guardian The liberty of an adult
4. Cannot inherit An heir to the Father
1 Corinthians 7:23 - God paid a great price for you. So don't become slaves of anyone else. (CEV)
1 John 3:1 The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God. And we really are his children. The reason the people in the world do not know us is that they have not known him.2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and we have not yet been shown what we will be in the future. But we know that when Christ comes again, we will be like him, because we will see him as he really is.3 Christ is pure, and all who have this hope in Christ keep themselves pure like Christ. (NCV)
----
[1] Wuest, K.S. (1997, c1984 Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For English reader, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. – Libronix DLS.
[2] Wuest, Ibid.
[3] Walvoord, J.F., Zuck, R.B., & Dallas Theological Seminary (1983-c1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An exposition of the scriptures. Wheateon, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Wiersbe, W.W. (1996, c1989). The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.
[5] Wiersbe, ibid.