GALATIANS: The Freedom of Grace.
Week 7: Adopted in the Gospel
“If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how he
much he makes of the thought of being God’s child, and having God as his Father.
If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his
whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at
all. [Adoption] is the highest privilege the gospel offers…
-J.I Packer, Knowing God.
Read Galatians 3:26-4:7
26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces[a] of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
Discuss:
What stands out from this passage?
In 4:1-2. Paul imagines a child-heir of a very rich family. Meditate on this image. In what ways does this illustrate the condition of a person who is under the law?
Why should understanding the doctrine of Adoption lead to a radical unity in the church? (v28)
What has God done in order to make us His children? (vs 4-6)What was the Father’s Role? What was Jesus’ Role? The Holy Spirit’s Role?
What are the privileges of being God’s Child? v7
What changes would you expect to see in a person who thinks of themselves as God’s child?
Apply & Pray:
1. What are some of the false ways we relate to God (e.g. God as deputy principal/emergency services/tiger Dad etc.)? Which one do you tend to fall into?
2. Do you really believe that God loves you as much as His own Son, Jesus? Why/why not?
3. How does relating to God as Father help us in suffering and when obedience is hard?