Slaves to Sons

The works of the law could never offer us a meaningful relationship. To be a slave your entire life is devastating and discouraging. To be under the guidance of a schoolmaster is frustrating and limiting. But to be a son or daughter, to have a Heavenly Father, that’s a relationship you can enjoy for eternity. Let’s explore this concept deeper today.

I. The Ancient  (1-3)

• Each culture had a time when a boy, though an in the family, would be treated like a . 
• At a certain age, he would pass from being a servant to a .
• Paul uses this illustration to describe what God does in our lives by faith in Jesus Christ.
• To live like a slave means to go back in bondage to the basic elements of the world or to the “ of religion.”
• To move from slave to son, you enter a .

II. The Adoption (4-5)

• How do we go from slaves to sons? !
• God sent Jesus at the right . (historically, culturally, politically)
• God sent Jesus with the right . (Born of a woman under the law)
• God sent Jesus with the right . 
• God spent the most precious thing He had for unwanted outcasts like you and me. But wait, there’s more!

III. The Amazing (6-7)

• – The law could never provide a meaningful relationship.
• Rather than the spirit of , we now cry out Abba Father because of our .
• – As a son, I have access to everything my Father offers.
• Do you think and speak as a slave of sin, or as a son made free?
• Many Christians view their relationship with God as and slave.
• Our position of sonship is meant to give us with God.