Galatians 4 reminds me of a lecture by famed economist Milton Friedman on the Death Tax. He pointed to the irrational behavior of parents that will work themselves to death in order to provide something for their children. He reasoned, taking that away would destroy the reward for producing wealth, and damage the economy. Today’s lesson is about being a grateful heir. Paul begins with an analogy about a wise business owner restricting the authority of his children until they are of age. First, they must slave side by side with the employees to learn responsibility. Paul reminds us that though everyone works hard, only the rightful heirs will receive an inheritance. With that fundamental understanding established, Paul describes God’s grace. Messiah fulfilled the work of the Law, setting mankind free from the burden of sin. “God sent His Son born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship”. This adoption is more than a legal transaction. It represents a tender new intimacy with the Father. Paul uses a very personal term to describe this relationship believers have with God Almighty; “the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father’”. Paul adds, “since you are His child, God has made you also an heir”. He asks rhetorically, why you would reject this amazing inheritance in order to return to earning a wage. “Do you wish to be enslaved… all over again?” Romans 6:23 says “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. Do you really want what you deserve?
Paul continues his letter reminding them that he arrived in the area with an illness. Paul preached the gospel, but perhaps was unable to support himself. “Though my illness was a trial to you… you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God”. They tended to his physical needs and listened intently to his message of salvation. Spiritually, Paul was their father in the faith. He asks, “Where… is your blessing of me now?” Paul expresses the sorrow felt by the parents of rebellious teens. “Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” Parents are wounded when they see their child twisted by deception. “Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us”. Watching a child slip into the hell of despair is painful. “I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you”. Paul seems to replay a conversation in his head; “I wish I could be with you now and change my tone”. He adds, “I am perplexed about you”.
The chapter closes with Paul again relating our spiritual life to the life of Abraham. Abe initially decided he could fulfill God’s promise on his own. Sarah, his wife, was beyond childbearing years, so they decided to “help” God. They chose Hagar, Sarah’s servant, as an immediate solution. Paul says the son born to the slave was “born according to the flesh”. Only later did Abraham fully trust God to open Sarah’s womb. Paul taught that Sarah’s son, Isaac, was “born as the result of a divine promise”. Paul notes that the two “women represent two covenants”. We also have a choice between flesh and faith. Paul tells the Galatian believers, “Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise”. Christ did the work so that we can inherit peace with God. Paul urged them to turn from their rebellion. “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son”. Leaving an inheritance is a gift motivated by love. Jesus worked Himself to death to set us free from the law. Satan desires to steal that gift. I’m sure it grieves the Father when we reject His gift. Do not be deceived, “We are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman”. My friend, God offers us adoption with all the rights and privileges of being part of the family of God. Please don’t let anyone steal your inheritance.