Galatians | Week 7
Sons and Daughters
Throughout our journey in Galatians, we’ve talked a lot about the concept of identity and inheritance and the fact that we are sons and daughters of the most high God. And this might be a concept that is hard to internalize. In the Bible, there is a distinction between a son of Adam and a son of God. While every human is loved by God and created in his image, not every human claims their sonship and becomes a son or daughter of God.
It’s like Galatians says, we’ve been CLOTHED with Christ so when God looks at us, he sees Jesus, we are co-heirs with Christ. Our identity is as a son or daughter of God, with no distinctions or stipulations. We have all the benefits and freedoms and inheritance that comes with being a full-fledged member of God’s family. So this week, may we allow that truth to sink a little deeper into our hearts. No matter what situation you were born into, no matter the state of your life before you met Jesus, no matter your race, gender or social status. You are a member of God’s family and there are no amendments to your adoption papers. May we continue to see ourselves in this light. And may we do our best to see others this same way, After all, faith in Christ is the great equalizer. There is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female. There are only children of God.
Weekly Challenge
This week be aware of the divisions of race, gender and class imposed by the world, and look for ways to honor the marginalized around you.
Questions for Reflection
- Which boundaries did Paul specifically mention have been erased for followers of Christ?
- Which of these would you say remains as the greatest barrier to equality in our culture; race, class or gender?
- As adopted sons God’s relationship to us is now as our Abba Father, the same term Jesus used as He prayed in Gethsemane. (Mark 14:36) What does that reveal to you about the significance and intimacy of this term?
Further Study
Read Romans 8:14-17. Paul explains how our adoption qulifies us to share jointly with Jesus inheritance. So as sons and daughters of the most high God, what do we also inherit? Hebrews 1:2 ESV – 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.