1 July - Galatians 4

Today we’re in chapter 4 of Galatians. There are some amazing things laid out in this chapter so let’s dive in:

1. Paul opens by explaining that we all have made mistakes in the past and became slaves to our sins. However, if we’ve chosen to follow Jesus then God makes us a part of his family. We are then heirs of God. That’s a really mind blowing statement. Think about it; an heir is a prince or princess in their father’s kingdom. The heir isn’t king but is still royalty and has access to everything the king has simply by being his child. That’s what God makes us when we decide to follow Jesus. 
2. In light of these ideas, Paul asks his readers how they could want to go back to living as slaves to their old life? He says he’s worried he may have wasted his time on them. Which sounds harsh but understandable when we think of all the horrible things Paul went through to tell people about Jesus in different cities.
3. Paul tells his audience that the other teachers who had come to them (see Galatians 1) were only trying to win them over to themselves and gain a large following. Paul says it’s good to have passion if you’re being passionate for the right reasons. Following any person on earth is nothing to be passionate about. But we should be passionate about following Jesus.

How awesome is it that God makes us a part of his family if we choose to follow him? It’s kind of hard to even fully understand. If we have a hard time with our self worth or self image this truth should really help us to see how much God values us. Are you living as an heir of God or are you still going back to life as a slave to sin? What sins are holding you back from walking in the freedom you have in Jesus? Ask God to help you with them.