Digging Deeper: Galatians 4:1-20
Day 1: The Power of Identity.
Understanding our identity as sons and daughters of God is crucial. In Galatians 4:1-20, Paul uses the title of “son”, because our identity as children of God actually gives us a legal standing with God, making us heirs to His promises.
This is so powerful, especially because of what Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:1 - “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—“
Not only does Jesus save us from sin, and fill us with the Holy Spirit, He also adopts us as His children. Because of God’s goodness and grace, we go from sons of disobedience to son of God who receive a promised inheritance. This is so important for us as believers to realize. God loves you so much that he saved you and now calls you “Child”. That is your identity, you are a fully loved, fully accepted, fully forgiven, fully adopted Child of God!
Galatians 4:4-7 (ESV): "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."
Reflection:
Why do you think the concept of adoption is significant in understanding our identity in Christ?
Does viewing God as, “Abba! Father!”. Inform your relationship with God?
Ask God to help you fully understand and embrace your identity as a son or daughter of God. Pray for a deep realization that your legal standing with God is secure through faith in Jesus, not through your own performance.
Day 2: God as Father.
Two of the most important questions we can answer are:
Who do think God is?
Who do you think you are?
The first followers of Jesus would have see God as the creator, the Father of the nation of Israel, or said things like ‘he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”, but none of them would have said, “God is my Father.”
Yet, when Jesus teaches the disciples about how to relate to God, he uses the word “Father”. Seeing God as our Father transforms our relationship with Him. Unlike a master, judge, or a boss, a father loves, provides, protects, and cares for his children. Even when a good Father disciplines his children it is motivated by love. Jesus makes it possible for us to know God the Father in a real, loving, intimate way.
Part of the reason that church in Galatia is following the false teacher is because they have misunderstood God. Because they see God like a master or judge, they are trying to please God through ritual and religion.
Paul wants them to see God as a loving Father, which changes everything. When we see God as our Father, we are motivated, empowered, and find security in His love. This relationship is intimate and personal, and it changes how we approach God and live our lives
Romans 8:15-16 (ESV): "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
Reflection:
In what ways can you embrace the security of knowing God as your loving Father today?
How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and experience of God as your loving Father? Identify one specific way you can spend time with God this week to strengthen this relationship.
In what ways can you remind yourself daily that you are fully known and loved by God?
Day 3: No More BBQ’s in Egypt
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
After God delivered the nation of Israel from 400 years of slavery in Egypt, He leads them through the wilderness, His presence guides them, and protects them, and He leads them to the promised land. God takes care of feeding the nation of Israel by providing manna from heaven. Eventually, the nation of Israel remembers the meat and menu from Egypt. Get this, they actually desire the food of slavery over the freedom of following God.
Numbers 11:4-6 “Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”
Our hearts are deceitful, and can desire what is known and comfortable over what is actually good for us. Just as the Israelites longed for Egypt despite their freedom, we too can be tempted to return to our old lives and ways.
Embracing our new identity in Christ means living in the freedom He provides, and not returning to the bondage of our past.
Reflection:
Think about a past behavior or mindset that you have been tempted to return to, similar to the Israelites longing for Egypt.
What practical steps can you take to resist this temptation and live in the freedom Christ provides?
Pray for the courage to fully embrace your new identity and freedom in Christ, leaving behind the bondage of your past.
Day 4: Known By God.
Paul makes this huge statement in Galatians 4:9. “But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God.”
Paul is saying it is one thing for us to know God, but it is far better to be known by God. Paul is talking about intimacy, a close, personal relationship where we are known. While the false teachers in Galatia are calling people to rules and religion, Paul is reminding them that what God really desire is a relationship.
Intimacy is defined as a “close familiarity or friendship; closeness.” If we are honest, this is one of the deepest longings of our hearts and souls. We all long for unconditional acceptance and closeness. We want to be known, accepted, understood, and loved.
Our deepest longings are fully satisfied in our relationship with God.
Part of knowing that God is our Father, and we are His children, is knowing that God has made room for us, He delights in knowing us, and wants to spend time with us.
Reflection:
How can you cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with God today
What prevents you from connecting with God on a regular basis?
Pray for a deeper awareness of being known by God. Ask God to help you understand the significance of this intimate and personal relationship.
Pray for the ability to cry out "Abba, Father," with the confidence that God hears and delights in you. Ask for a heart that fully trusts in His love and acceptance.
Day 5: Remaining True To The Gospel
Any addition to the gospel is a subtraction from it.
The false teachers in Galatia were promoting a gospel of Jesus plus Jewish customs and laws. Paul emphasizes that salvation is through Jesus alone. Adding rituals or laws to the gospel is idolatry and leads us away from the true freedom that is found in Christ. Paul pleads with the Galatians to return to the true gospel and to live out their identity as adopted children of God.
This true gospel is about being saved and adopted by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. It is not about what we do but about what He has done for us. This understanding frees us from the burden of trying to earn our salvation and allows us to live in the freedom and joy of being God's children.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection:
Are there any areas in your life where you are adding to the gospel by relying on religion, rituals, or performance?
How can you return to the simplicity of grace through faith in Jesus alone?
Pray for discernment to recognize any false teachings or additions to the gospel in your life. Ask God to keep you grounded in the truth that salvation is through Jesus alone.