Tag: Life

A Fair Show in the Flesh

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Galatians 6:11-13 You see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 

‘Letter’ [Greek: gramma] that which is written; letters of the alphabet (Luke 23:38; John 7:15; Rom. 2:27, 29; 6:6; 2Cor. 3:6); letters or epistles (Acts 28:21); books (John 5:47; 2Cor. 3:7); bill or receipt (Luke 16:6-7); and Scriptures (2Tim. 3:15). This verse refers to the fact that Paul had written this whole epistle by himself. He had written larger epistles but had dictated them to others. That he was nearly blind and this verse refers to the large characters of the alphabet he used in the epistle is not supported by any MSS or any fact in Scripture. In Paul’s day, all writing was in uncial characters (like the capital letters we use), only they were about an inch high. If he needed to write bigger letters, he could not see to write at all.

‘Make a fair show in the flesh.’ This refers to circumcision and the outward rituals of Judaism that any unsaved man could keep without being restricted otherwise. Weak Christians were tempted to go back to Judaism because they could escape persecution and more easily conform to the requirements (6:12-13). Circumcision, which was a part of the Abrahamic covenant, was a sign of the promised Redeemer out of the loins of Abraham, and of His works for all who wished to put off the sins of the flesh and serve God as new creatures. The word “circumcision” came to be synonymous with Jews (2:9; Rom. 3:30; 4:9;). Since Christ came, circumcision avails nothing (5:6; Col. 3:11). Christian circumcision is in the heart or spirit, not in the flesh (Rom. 2:28-29; 1Cor. 7:19; Php. 3:3; Col. 2:11)

Whatsoever a Man Sow

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Galatians 6:6-10 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sow, that shall he also reap. For he that sow to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sow to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 

‘Communicate’ [Greek: koinoneo] share with; be partaker of (Rom. 15:27; 1Tim. 5:22; Heb. 2:14; 1Pet. 4:13; 2Jn. 1:11); communicate and distribute (Rom. 12:13; Gal. 6:6; Php. 4:15). It refers to the material support of the ministry.

‘Mocked’ [Greek: mukterizomai] to turn up the nose at.

‘For whatsoever a man sow, that shall he also reap …’ This is the 2nd and last New Testament prophecy in Galatians (5:7-9). This is an unfailing and unchangeable law (Gen. 1:11-12, 21, 24-25, 29).

‘For he that sow to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sow to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.’ Just as surely as everything in nature reproduces after its kind, harvests being as sure as the sowings, so every man will reap what he sows and be responsible for his own destiny (6:7-8). It is folly to talk about reaping eternal life when one sows to the flesh (5:19-21; 6:8; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Rom. 1:29-32). It is equal folly to talk about being lost if one sows to the Spirit.

‘Weary’ [Greek: ekkakeo] to lose heart. Translated “faint” (Luke 18:1; 2Cor. 4:1, 4:16; Eph. 3:13) and “weary” (6:9; 2Thess. 3:13).

‘Due season.’ In the proper season, harvests are sure (6:7-8).

‘Faint not’ [Greek: ekluo] to become exhausted, beginning to lie down like sheep abandoned by shepherds. (John 7:49).

‘Let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ Thirteen commands (5:25-6:10): Let us walk in the Spirit (5:25). Let us not desire vainglory (5:26). Let us not provoke one another (5:26). Let us not envy one another (5:26). Restore a sinning brother (6:1). Consider self not above falling (6:1). Bear burdens of others (6:2). Test your own work (6:4). Bear your own responsibility (6:5). Support the ministry (6:6). Be not deceived (6:7). Be not weary in well-doing (6:9). Do good to all people (6:10).

The Fruit of the Spirit

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Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. 

‘Fruit of the Spirit is …’ The nine-fold fruit of the Spirit (5:22-23): Love. [Greek: agape] divine love. A strong, ardent, tender, compassionate, devotion to the well-being of someone (1Cor. 13:4-8). Joy. [Greek: chara] the emotional excitement, gladness, delight over blessings received or expected for oneself and others. Peace. [Greek: eirene] the state of quietness, rest, repose, harmony, order, and security during turmoil, strife, and temptations. Longsuffering. [Greek: makrothumia] patient endurance; to bear long with the frailties, offences, injuries, and provocations of others, without murmuring, repining, or resentment (1Cor. 13:4-7; 2Cor. 6:4-6; Eph. 4:1-2; Col. 1:11; 3:12-13; 1Tim. 1:16; 2Tim. 3:10; 4:2). Gentleness. [Greek: chrestotes] a disposition to be gentle, soft-spoken, kind, even-tempered, cultured, and refined in character and conduct (2Tim. 2:24-26; Tit. 3:1-2; Jas. 3:17). Goodness. [Greek: agathosune] the state of being good, kind, virtuous, benevolent, generous, and God-like in life and conduct (Ex. 33:19; 34:6; Ps. 23:6; 31:19; 33:5; 107:9; Rom. 2:4; Eph. 5:9; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:27-32). Faith. [Greek: pistis] the living, divinely implanted, acquired, and created principle of inward and wholehearted confidence, assurance, trust, and reliance in God and all that He says. Meekness. [Greek: praotes] the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge. Temperance. [Greek: engkrateia] self-control; a moderation in the indulgence of the appetites and passions (Pro. 23:1-3; 25:16; Dan. 1:8-16; Rom. 13:14; 2Cor. 9:1-15 :25-27; Php. 4:5; 1Thess. 5:6-8; Tit. 2:2-3, 11-12; 2Pet. 1:5-10).

‘Against such there is no law.’ No law can condemn one with the fruit of the Spirit. Law only condemns sin, not righteousness (Rom. 3:19-20; 7:13; Gal. 3:19; 1Tim. 1:9-10).

‘They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.’ All true Christians have done this (2Cor. 5:17-18; Rom. 6:6-23; 8:1-13).

‘Desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.’ Three common temptations of saints: Desirous of vain glory (5:13; 6:12-13; Php. 2:1-3; Col. 2:18). Provoking one another (Php. 2:1-3; Eph. 4:31-32; Col. 3:8-10). Envying one another (Rom. 13:13; 1Cor. 3:3; 2Cor. 12:20; 1Tim. 6:4; Tit. 3:1-15; Jas. 3:14-16; 1Pet. 2:1).

The Works of the Flesh Part 1

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Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 

‘Works of the flesh are manifest, which are these …’ There are seventeen works of the flesh noted here: Adultery. [Greek: moicheia] unlawful sexual relations between men and women, single or married (5:19; Matt. 15:19; Mark 7:21; John 8:3). Fornication. [Greek: porneia] same as adultery above besides all manner of other unlawful relations (Matt. 5:32). Uncleanness. [Greek: akatharsia] whatever is opposite of purity; including sodomy, homosexuality, lesbianism, pederasty, bestiality, and all other forms of sexual perversion (5:19; Matt. 23:27; Rom. 1:21-32; 6:19; 2Cor. 12:21; Eph. 4:19; 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1Thess. 2:3; 4:7; 2Pet. 2:1-22). Lasciviousness. [Greek: aselgeia] licentiousness, lustfulness, unchastity, and lewdness. Translated “lasciviousness” (5:19; Mark 7:22; 2Cor. 12:21; Eph. 4:19; 1Pet. 4:3; Jude 1:4); “wantonness” (Rom. 13:13; 2Pet. 2:18); and “filthy” (2Pet. 2:7). Lasciviousness is the promoting or partaking of that which tends to produce lewd emotions, anything tending to foster sex sin and lust. That is why many worldly pleasures have to be avoided by Christians – so that lasciviousness may not be committed. Idolatry. [Greek: eidololatreia] image-worship (5:20; 1Cor. 10:14; Col. 3:5; 1Pet. 4:3). Idolatry includes anything on which affections are passionately set; extravagant admiration of the heart (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5). Witchcraft. [Greek: pharmakeia] sorcery, the practice of dealing with evil spirits; magical incantations and casting spells and charms upon one through drugs, medications and potions of various kinds (5:20; Rev. 9:21; 18:23; cp. Rev. 21:8; 22:15.). Enchantments were used to inflict evil, pains, hatred, sufferings, and death, or to bring good, health, love and other blessings. Hatred. [Greek: echthra] enmity (Luke 23:12; Rom. 8:7; Eph. 2:15-16; Jas. 4:4); hatred (5:20). Bitter dislike, abhorrence, malice and ill will against anyone; tendency to hold grudges against or be angry at someone. Variance. [Greek: eris] Dissensions, discord, quarrelling, debating; and disputes. Emulations. [Greek: zeloi] envies, jealousies; striving to excel at the expense of another; seeking to surpass and outdo others; uncurbed rivalry spirit in religion, business, society, and other fields of endeavour. Translated “zeal” (John 2:17; Rom. 10:2; 2Cor. 7:11; 9:2; Php. 3:6; Col. 4:13); “fervent mind” (2Cor. 7:7); “envy” (Acts 13:45; Rom. 13:13; 1Cor. 3:3; 2Cor. 12:20; Jas. 3:14-15); “jealousy” (2Cor. 11:2); “indignation” (Acts 5:17; Heb. 10:27); and “emulation” (5:20). Wrath. [Greek: thumos] “wrath” (5:20; Luke 4:28; Acts 19:28; 2Cor. 12:20; Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8; Heb. 11:27; Rev. 12:12; 14:8, 10, 19; 15:1, 7; 16:1; 18:3); “indignation” (Rom. 2:8); and “fierceness” (Rev. 16:19; 19:15). Turbulent passions; domestic and civil turmoil; rage; determined and lasting anger. Strife. [Greek: eritheia] “strife” (5:20; 2Cor. 12:20; Php. 2:3; Jas. 3:14, 16); “contention” (Php. 1:16; Rom. 2:8). Disputations; jangling; strife about words; angry contentions; contest for superiority or advantage; strenuous endeavour to equal or payback in kind the wrongs done to one.

Walk in the Spirit

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Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would. But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law. 

‘This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.’ To keep you from devouring each other, you must live a Christian life.

There are seven secrets mentioned here of victorious living: Stand fast in the liberty of the gospel and renounce all keeping of the law (5:1-3). Maintain justification in grace and obey the truth (4:1-31-15). Walk in the Spirit (5:16-17). Be led by the Spirit (5:18). Crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts (5:19-21, 24). Demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in daily life (5:22-23). Live in the Spirit (5:25-26).

‘For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would.’ This verse is much misunderstood as referring to constant warfare between the flesh and Spirit, making one a victim of the flesh and helpless to live right. This is not the thought at all. It does describe the condition of Galatians or anyone else fallen from grace and seeking perfection through the flesh and self-efforts (1:6-8; 3:1-5; 5:1-9, 13-15, 26). That it does not refer to the normal life of a Christian in grace, living and walking in the Spirit is clear from Galatians 5:16, 18, 22-24; Romans 6:14-23; 8:1-13; 2Corinthians 10:5-7; Ephesians 6:10-18; Colossians 3:5-10 and 1 John 1:7-9; 3:8-10; 5:1-4, 18.

‘You be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law.’ This verse also refers to the Galatians who had left grace to go back under the law (1:6-8; 3:1-5; 4:9-11, 21-31; 5:1-4). Paul simply told them that if they would receive again the gospel of the grace of God and permit again the working of the Spirit in their lives, as they used to do (in Gal. 3:1-5) and if they would renounce the law again, they would not be under its bondage. If they would do this, they would not have the struggle of Galatians 5:17. The flesh with its affections and lusts would be crucified again and they could live the Christian life again (5:16, 22-24).

Stand Fast

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Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 

‘Stand fast’ – Keep rank. Do not be disorderly or retreat. Keep unity. Let nothing divide you so that satan can defeat you.

‘Liberty’ – this refers to the freedom of the gospel of the new covenant (4:21-31; Jas. 1:25; 2:12). The old covenant was one of bondage, sin, and death; the new is one of freedom, righteousness, and life. The Messiah was to bring liberty from the curse and all its effects (Isa. 61:1; Luke 4:18). All Christians enjoy liberty (2:4; 5:1, 13; Rom. 8:21; 1Cor. 8:9; 10:29; 1Pet. 2:16). The Spirit brings it (2Cor. 3:17). Liberty is not to be abused or used for an occasion to sin (5:13; 1Cor. 8:9; 1Pet. 2:16).

‘Christ has made us free.’ Christ Himself is the one who sets free from the law of Moses (Rom. 10:4; Eph. 2:14-15; Col. 2:14-17).

‘Be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.’ Two things are commanded here: Stand fast in liberty from all bondage to the law (5:1; 3:10-12; Col. 2:14-17). Be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage to the law (5:1; Acts 15:10).

‘Entangled again’ [Greek: enecho] to be held or caught; entangled in. Make a definite break from all keeping of the law and let your freedom from it be settled once and forever. Recognize that you are under a new covenant and that you are out from all observance of Jewish rites, ceremonies, commandments, days, sabbaths, seasons, times, years, and whatever else is in the Jewish law (Col. 2:14-17; Eph. 2:14-15).

‘Yoke of bondage’ Observing any or all the Mosaic laws, commandments, rituals, or any jot or tittle of the law is considered a yoke of bondage (4:24; Acts 15:10). If one goes back to keeping the law, he is under obligation to keep the whole contract (3:10-12; 5:3; Jas. 2:10). If one wants to know whether he is allowed to steal, murder, commit adultery, or keep any sabbath, then let him go to the new contract. You are only under the law when you choose to break it.

Not Children of the Bondwoman

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Galatians 4:26-31 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bear not; break forth and cry, thou that travail not: for the desolate has many more children than she which has an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what sad the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. 

‘Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.’ The New Jerusalem in heaven is a free city and the mother of us all (Heb. 11:10-16; 12:22-23; 13:14; Rev. 3:12; 21:1-22:5). In other words, Jerusalem is the place where God lives and who adopts us into His family (4:26-27).

‘Rejoice, thou barren that bear not; break forth and cry, thou that travail not: for the desolate has many more children than she which hath an husband.’ This verse predicts the salvation of the Gentiles during the rejection and dispersion of Israel. Paul quoted this passage to prove that more men will be saved under the new covenant than under the old one, which is cast out and abolished. Quoted from Isaiah 54:1.

‘Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.’ We who are Christians are the children of the promise and the new covenant like Isaac and are being persecuted as he was (4:28-29).

‘Born after the Spirit, even so it is now.’ Men were born again in Old Testament days (4:29; Deut. 32:18; Ps. 19:7; 32:1-2; 51:10-13; 103:3; Isa. 1:16-18). This was experienced by having faith in the coming redemption on the cross, whereas we look back to the cross.

‘Cast out the bondwoman and her son.’ Quoted from Genesis 21:10. This represents the old covenant being cast out as having no part in the Christian program. Christians are not under one detail of the law of Moses, including the ten commandments. When you truly love you will never transgress the moral law (Rom. 13:8, 10). Deprive any man of his wife (Rom. 13:9). Rob any woman of her virtue. Take the life of anyone. Hate anyone (1Jn. 3:15). Take the property of anyone. Rob a man of his good name. Covet one thing of another. Love only yourself. Work ill toward anyone (Rom. 13:10).

‘For the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.’ Just as Hagar and Ishmael were cast out of Abraham’s home and received no inheritance with Isaac, so the law of Moses and the gospel cannot mix. They are two different contracts. One is abolished and the other is still in force (4:30-31).

Travail in Birth Again Part 1

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Galatians 4:19-20 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. 

‘Travail’ [Greek: odino] birth pangs; travail (4:19, 27; Rev. 12:2). Paul had laboured in preaching, prayer, and tears to win them to Christ, so he considered them his children. They were very dear to him. Now he had to travail in birth again until they would come back to God and Christ be formed in them again. They had fallen from grace (1:6-8; 3:1-5; 4:19; 5:4) and had to be renewed in Christ again. This is not a physical birth, but the travail of the soul in prayer causing physical and spiritual sufferings which are very real.

‘Again’ [Greek: palin] again; restore once more; anew. It refers to something which could not be done again if it had not been done once before.

The New Birth: A moral and spiritual change, not a physical one (4:29; John 3:1-8). A change of heart, will, motives, desires, life and conduct, and not an organism (2Cor. 5:17-18). A change of masters, not of constitutional makeup of body, soul, or spirit (Rom. 6:11-23; 8:1-4). Adoption of one from the satanic family into the family of God (4:5; Rom. 8:14-16; Eph. 1:5). Not a coming into existence of the body, soul, or spirit, as in the natural birth, but a consecration of them to serve God and holiness instead of satan and sin (5:16-26; Rom. 6:16-22; 8:1-13; Col. 3:5-10). Not a begetting by the Holy Spirit in the sense that Jesus became and is the only begotten Son of God (John 1:14, 18; 3:16), but a renewal in righteousness and true holiness of one who is already in existence (Eph. 4:23-24; Col. 3:10; Ps. 51:10). A change of nature, but not the coming into existence of that nature (Rom. 3:24-25; 2Cor. 5:17; Tit. 3:5). A change of favour, a new standing before God (Rom. 5:1-2; Eph. 2:1-9; Tit. 2:11-14; 2Pet. 3:18; 1Jn. 3:8-10). A change of character, state and service (5:22-23; 1Cor. 13:1-13; Rom. 3:24-31; 5:1-11; 2Tim. 2:21; Tit. 2:11-14). There is no comparison between the natural and spiritual birth as to choose in the matter, conception, embryo, process, and the actual birth. The very moment one is grown enough to recognize he is a sinner and when he repents and believes the gospel a moral and spiritual change takes place (Mark 1:15; 2Cor. 5:17-18; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-10; Eph. 2:8-9; 1Jn. 1:9). The very moment he decides to sin again he has a moral fall, incurs the penalty of the broken law again and comes under the sentence of death again (5:4, 19-21; Jas. 1:13-15; 5:19-20; Rom. 6:11-23; 8:1-13; John 8:34; 2Pet. 2:19-22; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; 2Cor. 6:9-11; 1Jn. 3:8-10; Ezek. 18:4; etc.). If a person sins, he must be forgiven and restored or pay the death penalty as in Galatians 6:7-8 and the above scriptures.

To be continued…

How Turn You Again?

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Galatians 4:8-18 Howbeit then, when you knew not God, you did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that you have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as you are: you have not injured me at all. You know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh you despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness you spoke of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that you might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. 

‘When you knew not God, you did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that you have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?’ This is proof that they not only were one-time idolaters but were proselytes to Judaism (4:9-12). They ran well for a while (5:7), but later left Christ and the gospel to go back under the law (1:6-7; 3:1-5; 4:9-10; 5:4-9).

‘Beggarly elements’ – they are the observance of sabbaths and special days of the law (4:10; Col. 2:14-17; Rom. 14:5-6); observance of months – new moons of the law (4:10; Col. 2:14-17); observance of times or certain seasons of the year, as the feasts of Israel (4:10; Lev. 23:1-44; Col. 2:14-17) and the observance of years – annual atonements, sabbatical years, and jubilees of Israel (4:10; Lev. 23:1-44 and 25:1-55).

‘I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.’ All observances of days, months, times, seasons, years, etc. tend to make men feel religious and justified because they are doing religion and not necessarily living godly. Such is a substitute for the gospel and in vain.

‘Infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.’ This refers to some of Paul’s sufferings for the gospel, recorded in 2Corinthians 11:23-28.

‘Temptation’ [Greek: peirasmos] any kind of temptation or trial (Matt. 6:13; 26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 4:13; 8:13; 11:4; 22:28, 40, 46; Acts 20:19; 1Cor. 10:13; Gal. 4:14; 1Tim. 6:9; Heb. 3:8; Jas. 1:2, 12; 1Pet. 1:6; 4:12; 2Pet. 2:9; Rev. 3:10).

‘Plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.’ This is an expression of great affection, like saying, “I would give my right arm for you or lay down my life for you.” It does not indicate that Paul had an eye disease.

‘Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?’ Is it because I tell you the truth that your affections have so changed toward me?

‘They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that you might affect them.’ Your false teachers are zealous to work themselves into your good graces and to win your love. They would turn you against me so that you might love and abide by their decisions only. It is always good to be zealous for good things (4:17-18).

No More a Servant

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Galatians 4:1-7 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God had sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 

‘That the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all.’ An heir is not more than a servant until legally of age (4:1-2). Even so, we were children under bondage to the law until Christ came to redeem us from the law, that we might become adopted sons of God and free from the law (4:3-7).

‘Elements’ [Greek: stoicheion] elementary rules, principles of the world system, and rudiments of the Jewish religion (4:3, 9; Col. 2:8, 20; Heb. 5:12; 2Pet. 3:10-12).

‘Fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.’ The crisis of the ages at which time God saw fit to send His Son to redeem men (4:4-5), and the time for the prophets to be fulfilled (Gen. 3:15; 12:1-3; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; etc.).

‘To redeem them that were under the law.’ To pay the full payment for all people who were slaves to sin and satan and held under the death penalty of the law they had broken. There are seven steps of Gospel redemption: The plan of God to redeem the world by the incarnation of God’s Son (4:4; Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-25). The manifestation of God’s Son in “the fulness of the time” (4:4; Dan. 9:24-26; Matt. 1:18-25). The circumstances of His appearing: made of a woman; made under the law; to be a perfect sacrifice (Gal. 4:4-5; John 3:16; Heb. 10:1-18). The redemption by His death (4:5; Rom. 3:24; 1Pet. 2:24; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:15). The sonship by the adoption of all who believe (4:6; Rom. 8:14-16; Eph. 1:5). The impartation of the Holy Spirit (4:6; 3:14; Rom. 8:9-16). The heirship of all sons (4:7; Rom. 8:14-18; Eph. 1:11; 1Pet. 1:4).

‘Because you are sons, God had sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.’ Because of sonship, we receive the fullest evidence of it by the Spirit (4:6-7; Rom. 8:14-16).