April 19, 2022
Placed as Sons
Galatians 4
Bruce Kendrick
Central Truth
As sons and daughters of God, we have every right, privilege, and access to the blessing, power, and confidence of God's promises.
Key Verse | Galatians 4:4-6
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"
Galatians 4
Sons and Heirs
1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, 1 4:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 7 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 2 4:3 Or elemental spirits; also verse 9 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.
Paul's Concern for the Galatians
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.
12 Brothers, 3 4:12 Or Brothers and sisters; also verses 28, 31 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? 4 4:16 Or by dealing truthfully with you 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.
Example of Hagar and Sarah
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; 5 4:25 Some manuscripts For Sinai is a mountain 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, 6 4:28 Some manuscripts we 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.
Footnotes
[1] 4:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 7[2] 4:3 Or elemental spirits; also verse 9
[3] 4:12 Or Brothers and sisters; also verses 28, 31
[4] 4:16 Or by dealing truthfully with you
[5] 4:25 Some manuscripts For Sinai is a mountain in Arabia
[6] 4:28 Some manuscripts we
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | Galatians 4
When you read the word adoption what comes to mind? We might read the word adoption in verse 5 and think of unexpected pregnancies or children in foster care or orphans in over-crowded orphanages. Words like healing, restoration, and rescue come to mind, but Paul's purpose for using adoption would not have likely involved drawing parallels with vulnerable children and families.
Huiothesia is the Greek word Paul uses in Galatians 4 and elsewhere for adoption. It literally means "placed as sons" and was a practice in ancient Rome most notably used by the Caesars or emperors who lacked male heirs. Literally, Julius Caesar adopted Augustus who adopted Tiberius who adopted Caligula who was assassinated and replaced by his uncle Claudius who then adopted Nero.
There was always tremendous intrigue and conflict in these adoption stories and transitions of power. So words like inheritance, influence, and empowerment are what would have likely been on Paul's mind. It's as if he were reading the headlines of social media in his day, seeing the Galatians falter in their confidence in Christ, and thus telling them, "You are the heirs of God's kingdom! Literally, you are royalty now!"
Paul then begins to plead with the Galatians in the rest of the chapter, "Why would you return to living as slaves or foreigners who have no business in the presence of the King? You have every right, privilege, and access to the blessing, power, and confidence of God's promises!"
We can be so accustomed to our sin that, despite being redeemed, we return to habits, perspectives, doubts, and relationships that don't reflect the confident humility of Christ. God wants you and me to see how being His sons and daughters means we have a new identity that carries His authority with the presence of the Holy Spirit living in us. This new identity means we are freed from the bondage of sin and the constant striving for approval. It's not an arrogance in ourselves because we know we are saved by grace through the work of Christ on the cross! Instead, we get to boast in Christ!
Discussion Questions
1. What ideas in the Bible, like adoption, do you associate with today's concepts rather than the historical context in which the Bible was written? How does that change your approach to reading the Bible?
2. Have you read the Bible from today's standards of secular ethics or dismissed biblical references to creation, slavery, sexuality, gender differences, etc. because they didn't align with postmodern ideas?
3. If you are considering Christianity, how does Paul's teaching in Galatians 4 change your understanding of God's desire for His creation? Have you previously only considered the Bible to be a rule book designed to control your behavior?
4. If you have trusted in Christ, how have your habits, perspectives, doubts, and relationships changed since becoming a son or daughter of God? Do you struggle with returning to those old habits or decisions?
5. Do you approach God as if He is bothered by your needs or requests? Or do you recognize that as a son or daughter you have access and are welcome in God's family?