Introduction: Paul writes,

“4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

But what did he mean? What was God wanting to communicate with those believers at that TIME and at our present TIME?

Let’s consider briefly the meaning.

1. Who? (Gal 1:2)

“And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:”

The Holy Spirit is targeting CHRISTians. Evidently, there were some misunderstandings. And the Lord is wanting to clear it up.

2. Why? (Gal 1:6)

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel.”

The Holy Spirit of God is leading Paul to address the false teaching that had invaded the Churches in that area.

(Gal 3:3)

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?”

LEGALISM was a BIG PROBLEM back then as it is today! There were those who were teaching that one could be JUSTIFIED (regenerated) through GOOD works.

“16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Gal 2:16)

Instead of being justified by good works, Paul explains it is by GRACE alone through FAITH alone. But after regeneration, the process of sanctification begins whereby a believer is justified (proven to be saved – see James 2) by his or hers works.

3. How? (Gal 4:4-7)

“4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

Seeing the fact that the law could not save anyone, rather it exposes our sin and points us to Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on the cross. That is the point. We’ve been redeemed….Justified…….Sanctified thru Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection from the dead.