Galatians 4:7 Why you are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. I. THE BELIEVER'S CHANGE: he was a servant; he is a son. 1. A servant to sin (Romans 6:16). Unconverted man's virtues are splendid sins. Servants in a large house have different work, but if well done, master is satisfied. 2. Slave to the world — its fashions, opinions, pleasures. 3. In bondage to the law. He cannot see the freeness of the gospel (Romans 3:28; Romans 5:1). But there is a change (ver. 6; Romans 8:15). There is now an interest in God; filial affection to Him; freedom of access (Ephesians 2:18; Proverbs 15:8); an abode in the Father's house (John 8:34-5; Ephesians 2:19-22). II. THE BELIEVER'S HOPE. An inheritance is not purchased by ourselves — it descends. It implies — 1. Full forgiveness. One unpardoned sin is certain hell (Ezekiel 18:4; 1 John 1:7). 2. Inward righteousness — imperfect, but improving (Luke 23:41; Hebrews 12:14). 3. That God Himself will be the portion of His believing people (1 Corinthians 3:21-23). Whatever Christ has, we have.In conclusion — 1. Is it not a wonder that privileges such as these should be so much overlooked, undervalued? Can every one here say; "I was a servant of sin, but I am now a son of God?" (Romans 10:10). 2. If not a son of God, what is the alternative? (Galatians 6:7, 8). An heir of the one or of the other is every one present at this moment. We must expect opposition, but we are well led, supported (2 Corinthians 12:9; Revelation 21:7). (H. M. Villiers.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.WEB: So you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. |
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