No Longer a Slave but a Son

I’m not a son. I’m a daughter…

My Father’s Daughter

My dad was well-known in my hometown. He grew up there. He owned a local business (he was a Dr Pepper bottler), and, like most children, I didn’t fully appreciate what it meant to be recognized as one of Frank’s girls – he had no son.

There were certain perks (and expectations) associated with being his child.

Also for the Galatians

Paul spends verses 1-6 in chapter 4 reminding them that God sent His Son, born under the law so we could receive adoption as sons. Then he pulls out all the stops in verse 7, “Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

Which life do you choose?

In the next verses, Paul expresses his concern because the Galatians are falling back into the life they had before Christ. They are choosing to be in bondage to “weak and beggars elements” instead of living like the heirs of God they actually are.

We face this choice daily. How will we live? Like a child of The King or a slave to this world? It’s all in the little choices.

Choices for the son & daughter

We probably know how we would act if asked to kill someone. But it’s the little choices that derail us.

Do we pray first thing in the morning or check social media?
Go to church or to the lake?
Study Scripture or binge that R-rated show?

God doesn’t expect perfection, but He does intend for us to do our part. We need to act like our Father is always watching – because He is. (And He doesn’t have to rely on the local gossip to know what’s going on with us like back in my hometown.)

PRAYER – USING 4 ASPECTS OF PRAYER

Adore – Jesus, You are the One and Only Son of God. The One who set such an amazing example of what a child of The King needs to do.

Admit – You know how often I fail each day – in my choices and thoughts. In the time I waste that could be spent with You instead.

Ask – Help me remember all day/every day exactly whose Child I am.

Acknowledge – We thank You, Father God, for adopting us through the blood of Your beloved Son.