Why Live in Bondage
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Galatians 4:1-11. Paul talks to the churches of Galatia about being heirs of God. What does it mean to be heirs of God? Is being an heir the same as being a child or a servant?
In Greek, Hebrew, and Roman homes, minor children weren’t considered an heir until they became a certain age or until the father decided that they were ready. When the heir was a child, he was no different than a servant, even though he was destined to be an heir. He was still under tutors and authorities until the father’s appointed time when he would adopt him as an heir.
Paul was a Roman and their custom was for the father to decide when the child was mature enough to become an heir. First Corinthians 13:11 says, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” Paul now compares the child’s bondage to the Christians bondage under the law.
My favorite verses in this Scripture are Galatians 4:4-5. Paul tells them, in the fullness of time, God sent His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem those that are under the law, that we might be adopted as sons. When you become a child of God, God sends the Spirit of His Son, Jesus, into your heart. You are no more a servant, but a child of God and an heir of God through Jesus Christ.
In Romans 8:14-17 the same idea of being freed from bondage and becoming an heir with Christ through the Spirit of adoption is stated:
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Paul asks the Galatians, how was it that when they didn’t know God they served those who weren’t gods. Paul couldn’t understand, after they knew God and His freedom from all the rules and regulations of the Old Testament law, how they could turn back to the bondage of being under the law. Paul asks them, if they desired to be in bondage. He notes how they observe certain days, months, times, and years. Paul says he is afraid he has taught the Galatians to labor in vain.
Christ came to free us from the bondage of the law. These Christians were trying to put themselves back under the law. Paul is asking them, why they would want to be under the law, when Christ died to free them from that bondage.
Do we do that today, instead of living in the mercy and grace of God; do we put ourselves in bondage because of something we’ve done that was against the Law of Moses? If you are in Christ, you’ve been set free from bondage. Live in the freedom of grace and mercy that Jesus Christ died to give you.
Daily Bible Reading:
Galatians 4:1-11
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
Things to think about:
Why do we put ourselves in bondage when we can be free?
What does the bondage of sin do to us?
Since Jesus died to free us from bondage, what do we need to do to accept that freedom?
Have you been adopted into the family of God? If not, what are you waiting for? If yes, share the experience.
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Galatians where Paul tells the Galatians that they no longer have to live under the bondage of the law, but as heirs of Christ they can live in grace and mercy. Help us to accept the grace and mercy that You provided for us when You sent Your Son, Jesus, to give His life on the cross for our freedom. Help us not to put ourselves in bondage under the law but to live as children of God, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Daily Bible Verse:
a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
– Galatians 4:4-5
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Featured Book:
The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia
By Deborah H. Bateman
The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Galatians. The book of Galatians is in the New Testament and is one of Paul’s letters. He wrote this letter to the churches of Galatia.
Paul is concerned that the people of Galatia are being taught something different than the true gospel, which he taught them earlier. Paul goes to great lengths to make sure they understand the difference between living under the law and living under the grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Galatians: Paul’s Letter to the Churches of Galatia contains sixteen Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day. This book is great to use for both personal Bible study and group Bible studies.
For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.
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Have a blessed day,
Deborah
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