In the ancient world a...
Illustration
In the ancient world a slave had no rights or status. One Roman emperor had a slave thrown into a fish pond to be drowned and eaten by the fish simply for breaking a goblet. There is also a case of a wealthy master giving twenty-two slaves for one good hunting dog.
How much different it is for a member of the family. A son or daughter has all the rights and privileges of being part of the family. There is a loving relationship. And there is also an inheritance. In the ancient world the relationship between a father and son was especially close. The term "Abba" was an expression of endearment that showed that close relationship.
How does God think of us: as slaves or as children? Paul tells the Galatians that we have been adopted into God's family as his beloved sons and daughters through his own Son, Jesus Christ. Since we are no longer slaves, but God's children, then we also are inheritors of all his gifts. We are family, not property. We are God's children, not his slaves.
How much different it is for a member of the family. A son or daughter has all the rights and privileges of being part of the family. There is a loving relationship. And there is also an inheritance. In the ancient world the relationship between a father and son was especially close. The term "Abba" was an expression of endearment that showed that close relationship.
How does God think of us: as slaves or as children? Paul tells the Galatians that we have been adopted into God's family as his beloved sons and daughters through his own Son, Jesus Christ. Since we are no longer slaves, but God's children, then we also are inheritors of all his gifts. We are family, not property. We are God's children, not his slaves.
