Heirs of the Father

Galatians 4:1-11

4 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave,[a] though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles[b] of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Paul's Concern for the Galatians
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.

By Pastor Jeff Seward

“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”—Galatians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Do you ever think about the inheritance God has prepared for you? We have no comprehension of how glorious it will be! Upon receiving Jesus as your Savior, you became an heir to His kingdom and blessings. Yet as one adopted, you receive and experience a part of that inheritance while upon the earth.

At your spiritual birth, the Holy Spirit entered your heart. The Spirit helps you call God “Abba, Father.” Abba means papa or daddy. It represents closeness and intimacy between a child and father. God created and called you to be close to Him and to be loved by Him.
Pastor Chuck Smith once said, “He touches us and can be touched by us. But, realizing who God is—the awesome power, authority, the eternal, omnipotent, omniscient God—there is always that reverence and respect that comes with Father.”

Some people have experienced a negative relationship with their earthly father, but the role of a father on a family affects society and culture in enormous ways. The father is critical to the emotional and overall well-being of his children.

Be encouraged that God is a good and perfect Father. Look to Him as the true role model you need. He promises He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). You are spiritual children of God, adopted as heirs, and you may draw now from the inheritance promised.

Years ago, my wife’s parents gave us a portion of our inheritance. My father-in-law said, “We want to see you enjoy it now while we are still living!” They helped us purchase our first home, and we were humbled.

Our heavenly Father has given us a portion of our inheritance now, too. We are “sons and heirs.” He has given us the blessing of abundant life (John 10:10). How? He died for us, forgives us, and promises us eternal life. He gives us His strength, His mercy, His peace, and His love. Nothing is missing!

You are rich, far richer than the richest people on earth. He has made available to you the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7; 2:7), the riches of His glory (Philippians 4:19), the riches of His goodness (Romans 2:4), and the riches of His wisdom (Romans 11:33).

Meanwhile, we await the return of Christ and the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). The best of our inheritance is yet to come!


*  This devotion was found at Bible.com titled “Live Free: the book of Galatians” by Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale.