Let me illustrate: As long as an heir is a minor, he’s not really much different than a servant, although he’s the master over all of them. For until the time appointed by the father, the child is under the domestic supervision of the guardians of the estate.
So it is with us. When we were juveniles we were enslaved under the hostile spirits of the world. But when the time of fulfillment had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law. Yet all of this was so that he would redeem and set free those held hostage to the law so that we would receive our freedom and a full legal adoption as his children.
And so that we would know that we are his true children, God released the Spirit of Sonship into our hearts—moving us to cry out intimately, “My Father! My true Father!”
Now we’re no longer living like slaves under the law, but we enjoy being God’s very own sons and daughters! And because we’re his, we can access everything our Father has—for we are heirs because of what God has done!
Before we knew God as our Father, we were unwitting servants to the powers that be, which are nothing compared to God. But now that we truly know him and are intimately known by him, why would we for a moment consider turning back to those weak and feeble principles of religion, as though we were still subject to them?
Why would we want to scrupulously observe rituals like special days, celebrations of the new moon, annual festivals, and sacred years? I’m so alarmed about you that I’m beginning to wonder if my labor in ministry among you was a waste of time!
Beloved ones, I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong.
You are well aware that the reason I stayed among you to preach the good news was because of the poor state of my health. And yet you were so kind to me and did not despise me in my weakness, even though my physical condition put you through an ordeal while I was with you.
Actually, you received me and cared for me as though I were an angel from God, as you would have cared for Jesus Christ himself! Some of you were even willing, if it were possible, to pluck out your own eyes to replace mine! Where is that kindhearted and free spirit now? Have I really become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
Can’t you see what these false teachers are doing? They want to win you over so you will side with them. They want you divided from me so you will follow only them. Would you call that integrity?
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