1. CHILDREN But NOT Children
GALATIANS 4:1-7

2. Heir, Child, Slave Galatians 4:1-2
Imagine a child who will someday inherit considerable wealth and position.
A child who is a minor doesn’t outrank any adult.

3. When We Were Children Galatians 4:3
“elementary principles of the world”: Humanity’s primer
For the Jew: Galatians 3:23-24
For the Gentile: Galatians 4:8-9

4. When We Were Children
1 Corinthians 13:11-12 When I was a child I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, a I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part: then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. Paul believes that in Christ he is being led into maturity.

5. Son, Adoption, Sons Galatians 4:4-5
When the world was made ready, God sent his true heir.
The true heir has the power to make you a son, not a child.

6. “Abba, Father!” Galatians 4:6
The Spirit at the behest of the Son teaches us to connect with Father.
God has acted to draw us into a deeper relationship in his family (Romans 8:12-17).

7. Slave, Son, Heir NOW ACT LIKE IT. Galatians 4:7
If you are in Christ, you are neither slave nor child.
If you are in Christ, you are a son because He is the Son.
If you are in Christ, you are an heir because He is the Heir.
NOW ACT LIKE IT.