TWO KEY PRINCIPLES:

1. Religion makes you a slave.

Galatians 4:3(NIV)

So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world.

Colossians 2:8(NIV)

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual force of this world rather than on Christ.

Religious principles of this world:• I’ve got to do more.

Religious principles of this world:• I’ve got to do more.• I have to do this.

Religious principles of this world:• I’ve got to do more.• I have to do this.• I can’t do that.

TWO KEY PRINCIPLES:

1. Religion makes you a slave.2. Relationship makes you a son of God.

Galatians 4:4-15(NIV)

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.

REDEEMED(exagorazo)

to ransom; to purchase to set free.

Sons & Slaves (3 Differences)• The “slave” is driven by duty. • The “son” is driven by devotion.

John 14:15(NIRV)

15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

Sons & Slaves (3 Differences)• The “slave” is poor.• The “son” is rich.

Galatians 4:7(NIV84)

So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

Matthew 7:9-11(NLT)

9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Sons & Slaves (3 Differences)• The “slave” has a master.• The “son” has a father.

Galatians 4:6(NIV84)

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."

I AM NOT WORTHY

• The son knows he is not worthy

Luke 15:19(NIV84)

I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.

I AM NOT WORTHY

• The son knows he is not worthy• The slave falsely believes he is worthy

Luke 15:29(NIV84)

Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.

THE FATHER’S LOVE

• The older brother thought it was tied to performance.• The younger brother learned it was tied

to relationship.

Galatians 4:8-9(NIV)

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?