From Bondage to Belonging

Paul describes a decisive change in the Galatians’ relationship with God: they are no longer slaves but children and heirs. The change begins with God’s action, not their religious achievement. God sends his Son to redeem those under the law, then sends the Spirit of his Son into their hearts. Redemption brings them into the family, and the Spirit gives expression to that belonging through their cry to the Father. This makes their desire to return to bondage especially troubling. They are seeking security in the very condition from which Christ has freed them. For believers today, spiritual disciplines should express our relationship with the Father, not become attempts to purchase it. We approach God through Christ as children who have been received, not as servants hoping enough performance will finally earn a place.

Put the Word into practice

Before your next time of prayer or Bible reading, pause and thank the Father that your place in his family rests on Christ’s redemption rather than the quality of your religious performance.

Search the Scripture

According to Galatians 4:4–7, what has God done to make you his child, and where are you still treating that belonging as something you must earn?

A prayerful response

Father, thank you for sending your Son to redeem us and your Spirit into our hearts. Free me from trying to earn the belonging you give through Christ. Teach me to approach you with the trust and gratitude of your child. Amen.