Read with me today’s Bible Study Verse … “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. “ Galatians 4:7
No more a “servant,” a “doulos” in Greek, just meaning “a common slave!” No more under a harsh taskmaster! One no longer needing a tutor! Having now reached the legal age/stage of “sonship!”
” … Thou art no more a servant, but a son ….”
Wow!
“But a son!”
Paul here uses the noun “huios,” a child (genuine and blood related) with all the honor and dignity pertaining thereunto!
My lexicon says of “huios” … ” The word is rarely used for the young of animals! But generally used of the offspring of men!” Human beings!
John as an elder Christian statesman captures the gravitas here. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, THAT WE SHOULD BE CALLED THE SONS OF GOD: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” 1st John 3:1
Thrilling!
Paul to the Christians as Galatia … “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Still today’s Verse!
A “son” who is made an “heir!”
This “heir” noun, spelled “kleronomos,” is a bit interesting. Its prefix, “kleros” indicates some object (not “dice” as we know them, but a similar idea is present) used in deciding matters. (Stones or sticks, just two examples.)
Then attached to “kleronomos” is “nomos,” the Greek word for “law!” (Strange usage here … particularly since Paul is combatting the Law of Moses!)
Actually now “kleronomos” means “the law of the lot!” (As in “casting lots.”)
Something that is being given (apportioned) to you as a love gift from your Father!
Your share of the Father’s Estate. Yes, He has named you in the Will, His Will!
We are “heirs!”
Paul says a lot about this aspect of the Christian life, about our being “heirs,” certainly more than Peter or John or James!
Heirs of God’s Grace!
Heirs literally of all God possesses!
“Therefore let no man glory in men. For ALL THINGS ARE YOURS; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; ALL ARE YOURS; and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1st Corinthians 3:21-23, almost incomprehensible!
He has given me (and you) a share of “everything” it seems, of all His Bounty!
Paul once again … “But trust in the living GOD, who GIVETH US RICHLY ALL THINGS to enjoy.” 1st Timothy 6:17
We are, because of faith in Jesus, “heirs” of God … “through Christ. “
Here’s the preposition “dia,” Jesus being the “channel” or the “avenue” or the “medium” through Whom these blessings come!
All we enjoy in God … is because of Jesus our Lord!
Ephesians 1:6 words it this way. We are “accepted” (of God) “in the Beloved,” in our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Beloved Son!
Wow!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
I am feeling (at least spiritually) wealthy this morning!
How about you, dear Christian friend?