mySundaySermons

Galatians 4:4-7

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

 

Title: “Adoption as Children of God”

Introduction: we concluded the years affirming the gospel

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I want to share with you a message based on Galatians 4:4-7. These verses remind us of the incredible love and grace of our Heavenly Father, who has adopted us as His children through Jesus Christ.

 

I. The Perfect Timing of God’s Plan (Verse 4) God’s timing is not limited or shaped by our timing .

The opening verse of our passage reminds us of the perfect timing of God’s plan. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son.” In the grand scope of human history, Jesus came precisely at the right moment. God had been preparing the world for His arrival, and when the time was right, Jesus was born. This demonstrates God’s sovereignty and wisdom in orchestrating the events of history for God’s purposes. This continues to be true as God is unfolding in our history now.

 

II. The Incarnation of Jesus (Verse 4) God chooses our experience

Next, we see that Jesus, the Son of God, was “born of a woman, born under the law.” This emphasizes the humbling of the Son of God, as He willingly took on human flesh and submitted Himself to the laws and limitations of humanity. Jesus came to identify with us, to walk in our shoes, and to experience the challenges and temptations we face. Christmas is a season of recalling the choice God makes to come to us, to be born into our perspective and our reality.

III. The Purpose of Jesus’ Coming (Verse 5) gospel summary

Verse 5 reveals the profound purpose behind Jesus’ coming: “to redeem those who were under the law so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Jesus came not only to fulfill the law but also to redeem us from its curse. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He paid the price for our sins, setting us free from the bondage of the law. This act of redemption makes it possible for us to know we are children of God. This child born into a world of sin and brokenness, comes to open a bridge over the great chasm of sin.  He paves the way for us to be adopted into the very family of God.

 

IV. The Privilege of Adoption (Verse 6) calls us family, by name

In verse 6, we learn that as God’s adopted children, we have received the Holy Spirit. “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” The Spirit within us testifies to our new identity as God’s beloved children. “Abba” is an intimate Aramaic term for “father,” emphasizing the close relationship we have with our Heavenly Father through Christ. It is the work of the Holy Spirit that receives us, and makes our way to God through Christ.

 

V. Freedom from Slavery (Verse 7) freedom from sin

Finally, in verse 7, we read, “So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Through our adoption, we are no longer slaves to sin or the law. Instead, we have become heirs of God’s promises. We inherit the blessings and the riches of God’s kingdom, including eternal life, forgiveness, and the hope of glory.

 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these verses from Galatians remind us of the incredible privilege we have as children of God. Through Jesus Christ, we have been adopted into God’s family, receiving the Holy Spirit as our assurance and guide. We are no longer slaves but heirs of God’s promises.

 

As we reflect on the love and grace of our Heavenly Father, let us live our lives as children of God, embracing our identity and sharing His love with the world. May we always cry out, “Abba! Father!” in intimate communion with the One who has redeemed us and made us His own. Amen.