Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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                 Mission as Sharing Christ

                         Galatians 4:1-7

                          Sherly Thomas

                      St. Thomas MTC, NY

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father”. So you are no longer a slave, but a son and since you are a son God has made you also an heir. Gal 4: 6, 7

 Today’s passage reflects on the believer’s adoption into God’s family which is the result of a marvelous spiritual intimacy with God. Our Triune God is involved in the work of salvation: God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, who came to accomplish our redemption. He also sent the Spirit. The Spirit moves the believer to pray to God, addressing Him as Abba, Father. The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (Rom. 8:15-16) ‘Abba’ is the Aramaic word for ‘Father’. Christ, Himself called Abba, Father in Mark 14: 36 which indicates intimacy and trust with the Father.

 These verses on the birth of Christ form some of the strongest spiritual family images. We can see the relationship of an heir to his father (v. 1-2), of the heavenly Father who sent His Son (v. 4) and of the work of Christ that makes it possible for us to be adopted as sons and daughters of God (v. 5). As Jesus, the Son of God, called His Father “Abba” we can, as sons and daughters, call Him “Abba” (v. 6-7) for we are not only children of God but also heirs through Christ.

 Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.” Christ has made the impossible possible for those who believe and are obedient to Him through His death, burial and resurrection. We have the opportunity to approach our Father at any time, no matter where we are in our life. The gift of salvation is for those who are in Christ. This gift is offered to us freely. Our only responsibility is to love God and share the gospel.

                             PRAYER

Gracious Father, we thank You for adopting us into Your family and giving us the privilege of being Your sons and daughters. Help us to live according to Your will each day to glorify Your name. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

                   THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” Gal.3: 26.

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