Question
“ABBA, FATHER”
- In contrast to a slave, what privileges do we have through adoption as sons?
- How should gospel workers struggle to help people until Christ is formed in them?
Galatians 4:1–31
Key Verse: 4:6
- In that Roman society, what was the legal status of children named as heirs of an estate (4:1)? What were the roles of guardians and trustees (2)? How did Paul apply this to our lives before believing in Jesus (3,9b)[1]?
- What does it mean that “God’s set time had fully come” (4)? What promises of God were fulfilled when Jesus was “born of a woman” and “born under the law” (Ge 3:15; Isa 7:14; Heb 2:17; Mt 5:17)? Why did God send him in this way (5)?
- What amazing thing happens to us when we are adopted by God (6-7)? In contrast to a slave, what privileges do we have through adoption as sons? What does it mean to be an “heir” and “heiress” (Ro 8:17; 1Pe 1:3–4)?
- What was Paul’s concern for the Galatians’ faith (4:8-11)? How did he plead with them (12-16)? How did he express his shepherd’s concern (17-20)? How should gospel workers struggle to help people until Christ is formed in them?
- Through the allegory of Hagar and Sarah, what did Paul teach (21-31)?
[1] “Elemental spiritual forces” (basic principles) in Greek is “stoicheion,” which is literally “ABC’s,” and can be applied broadly to conscience, ethics, reason, cause and effect, superstition or religious systems, even including demonic forces; see also Col 2:20–23.