As Christians, we sometimes forget that we are no longer slaves to our sinful self. We can fight it because of what Jesus did for us. As we continue our study in Galatians, Paul explains to us why we are no longer slaves.
Galatians 4:1-7 New International Version (NIV)
4 What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
If there is one thing I hope those reading this series understands is that our salavation is a gift and we have been set free because of it. the only work we have to do is believe, confess and pray.
When we accept the freedom God has given us over our sinful desires, we are able to fight that temptation, with God’s help. Not only has He freed us as slaves, he also accepts us into his family and calls us heirs.
Not only are our sins wiped clean, not only are we accepted as God’s daughters, we also receive an inheritance. We receive the righteousness of Christ.
When God sees us now, He also sees His Son. All the good that Christ did to fulfill the law has now been imparted to us as our good works.
So Jesus alone completely frees us from our sin and the punishment we deserve for it. But He also works for our righteousness and gives us its benefits. We receive His inheritance as both daughters and heirs. We can see this truth more clearly in John 8:31-36:
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:31-36 NIV
It’s funny because like the Jews here many of us are in bondage and slavery and don’t even know it. The world will tell you freedom is being able to do whatever you want but Jesus says freedom is abstaining from sin. He tells us all who have sinned are slaves to sin. We are born with this desire to go against God’s will. It is easier to follow our own desires than the will of God. So until we accept Christ in our lives we are bound to our own desires and wants. Maybe that doesn’t seem like such a bad thing. But the problem is there is so much more to our lives than our desires. Anyone can do what they want. But there is more: Jesus says He came that we may have life and life to the full (John 10:10). This full life is experienced in a relationship with Him. The thing is, we must turn from our ways and follow Him (His Way). There’s just one thing. Sin has a good way if getting in the way, but Jesus died to make a way.
You may be free to do whatever you want but can you use that freedom is to live for Christ? Or has your physical freedom left you in bondage to sin? And as daughters of the Most High God freedom is our rightful inheritance. So let me ask you, are your living like a slave or a daughter?
A slave always wants more or what they can’t have. A daughter is content with her life and the blessings in it.
A slave works to pay off a debt a daughter lives in the security that her debt has been paid.
A slave has no inheritance a daughter has rights to all that is her Father’s.
A slave is incapable a daughter has power.
Now is the time to stop living like slaves and receive everything that is ours in Christ as Daughters of the King and joint heirs with Christ. Because we when understand we are God’s daughters we also understand that we don’t have to work for His affection or approval. It’s already ours.
And God has already given us His everything. His only Son on a cross even though we can’t give Him anything of value. Why? Because we are His daughters; loved, accepted, valued, highly esteemed, and royal heirs to the kingdom.
Have you ever felt that way? Small, inferior, and not enough. But Paul reminds us: It’s not about what you do. It’s about who you are. And you are a belived child of the most High God. And that truth trumps anything you can ever even think about doing for God.
It’s not about what we do for God, it’s about who we are to God.