Daily Devotions
Galatians
"No longer a slave but a son..."
Text: Galatians 4:7a
AN ADULT HEIR
Though the word “adult” is not specifically mentioned in the text, there is no doubt that this is the context in which the following text is to be read. The contrast between a child heir and an heir who has come of age is obvious.
Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son,
and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.Galatians 4:7
1. “No longer a slave”
a) This phrase is to be read carefully.
i) In the context of Galatians 4:1.
ii) Does not differ at all from a slave (Galatians 4:1).
iii) It is not to be read in the context of Galatians 3:28 (a different context is in mind).
b) The child-heir is no longer under stewards and guardians.
c) He is different from the slaves from here on.
2. “But a son”
a) The child-heir has come of age.
b) He is deemed an adult.
c) He has his father’s approval to take his place as his heir.
3. “An heir”
a) An heir according to the promises of God given to Abraham (Galatians 3:29).
b) An heir as a full-grown son.
c) An heir of God (Galatians 4:7).
4. “Through Christ”
a) The role of Christ is once again underscored.
b) It is through Him we have justification.
c) It is through Him that we become heirs.
d) It is through Him that we have the Spirit of God.
e) It is through Him that we have the adoption of sons.
f) We owe such a depth of gratitude and love to the Lord Jesus Christ.
May we never take for granted the place of the Lord Jesus Christ in God’s redemptive plan!