Suggested Date: December 2nd
In his letter to the Galatian church, the Apostle Paul reminds his readers that Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth in the fullness of time to set people free from slavery to the Law and to bring them into a new relationship with God as sons.
Scripture: galatians 4:1-7
1 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 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. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, 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.
digging deeper
1. How does this passage connect to the Christmas story?
2. How does the fact that God adopts us into His family change your view of God?
3. What is the condition of those “who were under the Law”?
4. When and why did the Son come into the world?
5. How have you benefited from this? How would you describe your relationship with God?
wrap-up
The God of the impossible, Who opened the womb of barren Elizabeth and brought His Son Jesus into the world through the virgin Mary in the fullness of time, continues to work the impossible. Those who believe in Jesus have been adopted! We are no longer slaves. We are adopted sons and daughters who can cry out and be heard by our Father—our Abba—in heaven!
respond in worship
“Come, Thou long expected
Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release
us,
Let us find our rest in Thee...”
respond in prayer
Take some time today to thank God that He has given us the opportunity to be part of His family through Jesus. Pray for your own family and friends who don’t yet know Jesus to come to know His love and forgiveness.