PODCAST
God’s Family
September 21st, 2017
Galatians 3:23—4:7
Galatians 3:23–4:7 provides insight on the doctrine of the Trinity that developed during the fourth century. In anticipation of this doctrine, Paul declared that God is Father of all who have faith in Christ and have been baptized into His Son and clothed themselves with Christ (3:27). In addition, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into their hearts, vindicating them by faith in Christ.
Yes, as God’s children we are called to live by faith (Galatians 3:23, 25; see 2 Corinthians 5:7), but the Spirit affirms that we are the adopted children of God–no longer orphans–and He is our Father, our Abba.
What characteristic dominates your life? For those of us who belong to Christ, it is our status as God’s children. No longer are we slaves bound to the law, for by faith in Christ we have become heirs. Our faith is vindicated by the presence of the Spirit of God in our hearts. The Spirit makes the Father real to us.
No longer do we live as orphans in this world. We are members of God’s family because of the Spirit who dwells within us.
Author: Robert W. Smith
