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Galatians 4:7 - We Are His.

Galatians 4:7 (NLT) Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

INTRODUCTION

Paul contrasts the path of slavery and death with the path of freedom and life. He uses the illustration of slavery to show that before Christ came and died for sins, people were in bondage to the law. Thinking they could be saved by it, they became enslaved to trying - and failing - to keep it. We were once slaves, but now we are God's very own children and have an intimate relationship with him. Because of Christ, there is no reason to be afraid of God. We can come boldly into his presence, knowing that he will welcome us as his children. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

We Are His
   When you consider who God is and who you are to him, what comes up? Does he feel like a far-off figure, dictating your life like a CEO or a grandfather? Or is he like a loving parent whom you know well, who supports you, who wants what is best for you, and who offers you all he can?
   May today be the day where you draw closer to the reality of God's loving-kindness toward you. He is a good, good Father, not just as the song suggests but as his character guarantees. He pursues you with passion, and he always has good intentions for you. Do You Trust His Heart? It Is Hard To Trust Someone You Do Not Know Well. Give Time To Getting To Know His Loving Nature More Today. Read Through The Descriptions Jesus Gave Of The Father. Acquaint Yourself With The Parables That Speak Of The Father's Love, And Let It Drive Your Own Heart To Open To Him.
   Ask for a greater experiential revelation of God's love for you and spend time in prayer and in the Word waiting on him today. [365 Days of Courage by Sara Perry of Broadstreet Pub]

COMMENTARY

Strength Is On The Way
   I recently spent the better part of an hour reciting the woes of my life to my wife. I felt overwhelmed by commitments and deadlines. I'd been sick with the flu. There was tension at the church between some coworkers. We'd received word of friends who were getting a divorce.
   If you could have read my mind, you would have thought you were perusing the textbook for Pessimism 101. My work is in vain. I'm going to move to the Amazon jungle and live in a hut.
   After several minutes Denalyn interrupted me with a question. "Is God in this anywhere?" (I hate it when she does that.)
   What had happened to me? I wasn't turning to God. I'd limited my world to my own strength, wisdom, and power. No wonder I was in a tailspin. For such moments God gives this promise: "We are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17).
   Strength is on the way. The gauge may be bouncing on Empty, but we will not run out of fuel. Our Father will not allow it. [You Can Count On God by Max Lucado]

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

   While shopping, I heard someone call me by my maiden name, which didn't quite fit anymore. Moments later, I was tangled in a hug with a friend I hadn't seen in decades. As we reminisced on the past and caught up on the present, I thought about the girl my friend remembered me as. I vaguely recall that child, but I'm not her anymore. A lot has changed between then and now.
   Then and now. That reminds me of how Peter identifies himself in 2 Peter 1:1 (NIV): "Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ." When Jesus called him to be a fisher of men, he was known as Simon (Mark 1:16-17). After sitting under Christ's teaching and witnessing miracles, Jesus asked the disciples, "Who do you say I am?" Simon answered, "You are the Messiah" (Matthew 16:15-16). Then Jesus gave him a new name, Peter (Matthew 16:18).
   Peter makes a tremendous statement by introducing himself by both names - Simon Peter. Why not claim the seemingly better of the two - Peter? I think it was because he never forgot who he once was - a frustrated fisherman in need of a Savior. Simon Peter signifies the change that happened between not knowing Jesus then and knowing Him.
   In Christ, I have a new name too - child of God. In the space between my given birth name and my new title, much has changed. Like Simon Peter, I don't want to forget who I once was. Karen Sargent
   Faith Step: Make two columns in your journal. In one column, list who you were before Jesus. In the other, list who you are now. Thank Jesus for filling the space between. [Mornings With Jesus 2025 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Galatians 4:6-7 - "Abba, Father!"
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240720-1217.html

Romans 8:15 - No Longer Fearful Slaves But Joyful Children Of God.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220618-1002.html

John 3:3 - You Must Be Born Again To Enter The Kingdom Of God.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200518-0946.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/