Galatians 4:1-7

Summary retelling of Galatians 4:1-7

Paul continues the analogy of the guardian by reminding the Galatians that even a child who is a legitimate heir is still not able to do what they want.  Children are under the watchful eyes of an adult (typically a parent).  In the same way, until we are fully mature in faith we are under a guardian.    The way to spiritual maturity is through Christ, who was born while everyone was still under the Law.  Christ’s job was to make a way for people to go from being under the Law to go to full spiritual maturity as a full heir to God’s promise.  To the heirs of Christ God gives the Holy Spirit so that we might continue to be in a relationship with God.  Since we have the Holy Spirit, we are no longer slaves but sons and heirs.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul makes a really good point to say that all children – regardless of their social status – are under a guardian.  It doesn’t matter how wealthy a family is, no child can always do what they want to do.  All children need to go through a process of learning how to make the right decisions and how to live in the society around them.  In the same way, while we are spiritually children, we need a guardian to teach us the spiritual ways.

What do you think it means to be a spiritual child?  When do we stop being spiritual children and become fully spiritually mature?

Second Thought:

Being fully spiritually mature does not mean never making a mistake.  Adults make mistakes all the time.  The difference is that when a child makes a mistake they are learning, but when an adult makes a mistake they should know better.  Therefore, it is important to understand that being mature doesn’t mean being mistake-free.  Being mature means having enough experience to know better.

Do you think people think that being spiritually mature means never making a mistake?  What is the danger of believing that a mature spiritual person will never make a mistake?

Third Thought:

Again, notice Paul’s emphasis on the reception of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus paved the way into spiritual maturity by dying on the cross.  When He was raised, He brought the Holy Spirit into His disciples.  Genuinely receiving the Holy Spirit is a natural step and consequence of becoming spiritually mature.

Why do you think Paul puts so much emphasis on the Holy Spirit throughout his letters?  Do you think the modern church puts much emphasis on the Holy Spirit?

Passage for Tomorrow: Galatians 4:8-11