Vv. 1-4 God ended our bondage to the law by sending his son Jesus Christ to this world. He opened a new era in which we could become the children of God by faith alone. Through the coming of Christ, the time has come for our salvation to be fulfilled (Mark 1:15). Take this time to meditate on the love of God, who has prepared for the salvation of his children throughout the entire human history. Offer up to him a song of praise.
V. 5 Christ redeemed us with a price and gave us, who used to be slaves under the law, the authority to become the children of God. Therefore the law is no longer valid to us, the children of God. We are no longer bound under the guilt and curse, but have become children in the glorious bosom of God. Are you rightly exercising this glorious privilege and identity granted through Jesus Christ?
Vv. 6,7 God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. The Spirit God dwells in the hearts of believers and helps them to live as children of God. Therefore, by the Holy Spirit, we are free to call out, “Abba, Father” without fear, and we can enjoy the unlimited resources that come from the Father.
What lesson is God teaching me?
Vv. 8-11 The believers in Galatia worshipped idols before they came to know God. But even after knowing God, or rather are known by God, they fell into the temptation of idol worship and legalism of the past. What about me? Am I doing the same thing?
Let me worship God by faith, not as a slave out of fear, but as his child.
