The Weekly Pulpit 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. WHAT WE WERE — SERVANTS. The idea of bondage is implied, and refers to the twofold influence of sin. 1. Its entire sway over ourselves. The language of Scripture is decisive on this matter. Sin has not only affected a part of human nature, but the whole. 2. Its power to exclude every good influence. The slave has no intercourse with the outside world. Others must not speak to him, or offer him any counsel. His master will not allow any foreign influence. Sin keeps out the light; the sinner does neither see himself nor his surroundings. II. WHAT WE ARE — SONS, Adoption is the term used by the apostle to designate the change. No comparison, however, will exactly represent the altered state. 1. As sons we are partakers of the Divine nature. The Spirit of God has imparted a heavenly disposition to our hearts. 2. As sons we are partakers of God's care and government. Correction is a necessary part of the relationship. III. WHAT WE SHALL BE — HEIRS. There is a present right, but minority excludes full possession for want of fitness. 1. Maturity There is a stage in our experience when restrictions and limitations will be removed. We now only know in part. 2. Indebtedness — "through Christ." He is the!ink between us and the inheritance. (The Weekly Pulpit.) 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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