“You are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” - Galatians 4:7
Christ-followers have gone from slaves to sons…from rebellious sinners to chosen children. And as God’s children, we are heirs of the Most-High God. A slave must obey…a son may choose to obey out of love and honor for his father. As children of God, it is our privilege to obey our Father. Because He has freed us from slavery and made us His very own children, we are co-heirs with Christ.
An heir is someone who is given a possession through the right of sonship. But what is it that Christians possess through sonship? We are heirs of God’s glory (Romans 8:17). We are heirs of God’s promise (Galatians 3:29). We are heirs of eternal life (Titus 3:7). We are heirs of the gracious gift of life (1 Peter 3:7). And we are heirs of the righteousness that comes by faith (Hebrews 11:7). God has graciously lavished on us His inheritance; and we are blessed beyond measure.
However, with great blessing comes great responsibility. “Free” does not mean lawless. God has redeemed us from the curse of the law (death) because we were flawed, not the law. The law was good…man just could not fully keep it. And full obedience is what righteousness required. As sons and daughters, though, we are free to obey God through the power of His Spirit who lives in and through us…moving us to obey.
This does not mean we will always keep God’s commands perfectly – but it does mean that we will desire to try. It means that there is no condemnation when we fail. God has chosen to punish His perfect Son, a lamb without blemish, for our transgressions so that we can stand in His presence as righteous, holy children. Obedience now flows out of grace, not fear of punishment. We are sons, not slaves. We no longer have to strive to earn God’s favor through obedience, but are free to love God through obedience. Now that’s what I call freedom!
Holy Father, All Your ways are good. Your Word is flawless. I know Your commands are for my good. I desire to obey You with a grateful heart. Thank You for Your Spirit, who gives me the power to obey You. Thank You for freeing me from slavery and making me Your child.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Topics: Obedience
