What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.
Jesus was not early nor late. His death was not an accident. It was done on purpose at the perfect time as part of God's plan.
6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
The Holy Spirit is a gift from God to his sons. No one who does not have God can have the Spirit.
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11 I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
These people knew the truth and then went back to what they used to do before they knew the truth. I'm reminded of my children and the things I have to tell them over and over. I'm also convicted because there are things in my life that I return to even though I know I've been freed from their power.
12 I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. 13 As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, 14 and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15 Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
Don't shoot the messenger. Paul used to be loved by these people and now they turn on him for loving them enough to tell them the truth. How do we react when confronted by a brother concerning sin?
17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. 19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!
Paul is so frustrated. People whom he considers his children are being lead astray. No parent wants to see this. No good parent enjoys having to discipline their kids.
Verse 17 makes me ask questions. "Whom am I listening to?" "What message are they using to win me over?" "Is it for my good?" I encourage anyone reading this blog to ask the very same questions.
God Bless.
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