https://esv.literalword.com/?q=galatians+4
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Friday, 12 July 2024:
Galatians 4:1-6 – I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Small children must be instructed and punished or rewarded over the most basic things because they lack both understanding and the internal discipline to do what they ought — without internal discipline, they need external discipline. Conversely, one would hope that an adult has grown in maturity to have internal discipline that does not rely on external discipline to do what is right. Mature Christians who have the power of the Holy Spirit and a genuine love for Jesus are no longer spiritual children and no longer need the law because they have understanding and the discipline of a disciple, not to mention a genuine passion to honor God in obedience. Love does what regulations could never do. When an adult surrenders to immature urges, we might say, “Don’t act like a child!” Likewise, we must lovingly rebuke experienced Christians who act like spiritual infants.
The heart of a Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit which is Love. We have perfect love within us but must not quench it, grieve it, or get out of step with it.
“The word father conjures up different images for everyone. To some it brings the picture of love, laughter, respect, and acceptance. Unfortunately, others associate the term father with fear, rejection, and disappointment. That is why it is so important not to take your understanding of your heavenly Father from your experience. Take it from Scripture. You undoubtedly had an imperfect earthly father, perhaps even one who brought you harm. But, as in all your Christian life, the key is not to understand the Bible based on your experience, but to understand your experience in light of the Bible. God is your model of a father in the truest sense of the word.
Your heavenly Father was willing to pay any price in order to save you (Rom. 8:32). Your heavenly Father is always ready to meet your needs (Luke 11:11-13). Your heavenly Father loves you so much that He is willing to discipline you to bring you to Christian maturity (Prov. 3:11-12; Heb. 12:5-10). Even when you rebel against Him and reject His love, your Father continues to do what is best for you (Rom. 5:8). He does not make His love for you conditional upon your love for Him. He loves you even when you are not loving Him (1 John 4:19). He has made you His heirs and reserves a home for you in heaven (Rom. 8:15-17).
This is what a father is like biblically. If this has not been your experience, it can be now. There is One who has adopted you and who wants to love you in a way you have never experienced. Take comfort and strength from Him–your heavenly Father.” (Henry T. Blackaby)
Galatians 4:9 – But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?
Religion tends to focus on rules and duty. God wants us to focus on love, beyond mere duty. The more we know God, the more we are compelled to love Him and obey Him, not because of the rules, but because His desires are what we desire from the heart. Love makes obedience to rules a given, no longer a consideration because it is inevitable.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 12 July 2024: Today, don’t obey God because you know you should, obey God because you want to from your heart, because His desires are your desires, because you would to please Him from your heart but also be just like Him. Where you don’t feel like obeying, do it anyway, but immediately repent and pray the God will make your heart one with His in that area:
- John 14:15 — If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
- 1 John 5:3 — For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.
Pray that obedience to God’s commandments will no longer be a burden to you, a heavy load. Pray that you will move from duty to delight.
- Matthew 11:28-30 — Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 