March 26, 2019

BIBLE READING: GALATIANS 4

We are thankful for our pastoral staff here at Kerwin and it is always good to hear insight from each of them concerning God’s word. As we continue our Bible reading schedule for this year, Enjoy this devotion today from David Fulp, our children’s pastor.

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

In this chapter, we see that Paul is reminding the Galatians what they were saved from and how God set them free. They were no longer under the pressure of the law any more but saved by the Grace of God. The law no longer determined their fate, but Christ sacrifice set them free. This is, also, a great reminder for us as born-again children of God.

What we were saved from?
God saw the problem of a broken fellowship with Him, so He sent His only Son as a sacrifice to the world. Grace was then shown and provided. The law was in place, showing man that he could not keep it. Then showing he cannot retain righteousness. Man is then a slave under the law. But by Salvation, God redeems an individual, and he is free and adopted by God! How exciting to know that I am free by Christ sacrifice, and adopted by God!

How does this affect us?
Since we are free and adopted, we remain here on earth, while we wait for Christ’s return. He, in the meantime, sends the “Comforter” (John 14:26) or the Holy Spirit to lead and direct us. According to this passage, this is what connects us with God. Because of our salvation through Christ, our heart has been changed. Our cry and longing are for God. No longer are we bound to sin against the law as slave, but now have new hope in our Wonderful heavenly Father! Because the heart has changed, this will affect our actions. We aught to strive to do our best for Him and serve Him with a full and joyful heart! I hope this has been an encouragement and a challenge to pray and witness for those who do not have this gift of Salvation. Remember we are no longer bound by the law but set free and adopted by God!

David Fulp II
Children’s Pastor