6: Sons and Heirs of God through Christ (3:26-4:31)
I. The
Basics
A. The
Setting
This is a
bright and assuring passage in the epistle. In the previous passages, Paul
explained that the law was a guardian that kept us for the faith to be
revealed. Building on this analogy, Paul points out our identity as the sons of
God through faith and our status as heirs to the promise. Being sons and heirs,
we are not under bondage but have liberty in Christ.
B. Key
Verse
“For you
are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (3:26).
C. Did
You Know...?
1.
Elements (4:3,9): “The Greek term meant essentially
‘things placed side by side in a row’ (as the ABCs) and then came to mean
fundamental principles or basic elements of various kinds.” 4/1784
II. Observation
A. Outline
(3:26-29)
(4:1-7)
(4:8-11)
(4:12-20)
(4:21--31)
B. Key
Words/Phrases
C. General
Analysis
1. In
which paragraph do you see Paul digressing from his line of argument? How is
the tone of this paragraph very different?
III. Segment
Analysis
A. 3:26-29
1. How
does this paragraph relate to the previous paragraph?
2a. Based on verses 26 and 27, what spiritual effects take place
through baptism? Explain the meaning of these effects.
2b. How does this passage refute the false teaching that baptism
is a work of the law?
3a.
According to 28, what has been removed among the believers in Christ?
3b. How is this truth applicable to the problem that Paul was
addressing?
3c. How does this teaching apply to our life in the church
today? Have you seen conducts or attitudes that are not in line with this
teaching?
B. 4:1-7
4. What
contrast does Paul set forth here?
5. In
what sense are those under the law like an heir who is still a child?
6. What
are the “elements of the world”?
7. What
does it mean that the Son of God was born under the law?
8. What
does the phrase “adoption as sons” (5) suggest?
9. How
does verse 6 identify the Holy Spirit?
10.
According to this verse, what purpose does the Holy Spirit serve?
C. 4:8-11
11a. Why
are the elements of the world “weak and beggarly”?
11b. In what sense is turning to these elements similar to
serving false gods?
12. Why
does Paul add the phrase, “or rather are known by God” in verse 9 (cf. Nah 1:7;
Jn 10:14; 15:16; Rom 5:8; 1Cor 8:3; 2Tim 2:19)?
13. In
what ways could a believer make the mistake of the Galatians and serve God as
if he is serving other gods?
14. What is Paul’s fear for the
Galatians?
D. 4:12-20
15. What
does Paul mean by “I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you” (19)?
16. What
differentiates true servants of God and false teachers? What can we learn from
Paul in this paragraph?
E. 4:21-31
If you
are not familiar with the background of Paul’s analogy, read Genesis chapters
16, 17, and 21.
17.
Identify all the sets of contrasts found in this paragraph.
18a. What is the covenant from Mount Sinai?
18b. Why does it correspond to “Jerusalem which now is” (25)?
19. How
are those who keep the law like the son who was born according to the flesh?
20. What
is the Jerusalem above? How is she free?
21. What
will be the consequence of those born according to the flesh?
