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Galatians 4:15 – Blessing and Honor

Posted on December 13, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:15

¹⁵What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.

Truth to Learn

The gospel message produces a blessed experience for the one receiving the truth, but all the glory goes to God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “blessing” is “markarismos,” which is closely related to “markarios” meaning possessing the favor of God, that state of being marked by fullness from God. However, the particular word used in the current verse is not one that means the state of being blessed, rather it means the state of one who has proclaimed oneself to be blessed. Paul’s point is not that the Galatians had been blessed by his initial preaching to them but that they claimed to have been blessed by his initial preaching.

As with the previous few verses, there is a variant reading on this verse depending on which manuscript is followed. Some manuscripts have, as we see in this translation, “What blessedness you had then,” and it likely is a statement, not a question. A greater number of manuscripts, however, have this as, “Where then is your blessedness?” In either case, it was not so much a blessedness that they had as much as a blessedness that they claimed to have.

Meaning Explained

Apparently, when Paul first preached the gospel message to the churches in Galatia, they received him and his message with great happiness. In fact, they claimed such a blessing at that time that they would have given their very eyesight to him. Some have deduced from this statement and the fact that verse thirteen talked about a physical infirmity that Paul must have been suffering from a problem with his eyes, perhaps a constantly oozing discharge.

There may be another more reasonable explanation, however. During the first century, there was a proverbial expression denoting the highest regard and strongest affection for a person. This expression involved proclaiming someone else as dearer than one’s own eyes or a willingness to give one’s eyes for the sake of the other person. This seems to make more sense in light of what Paul has been and will be talking about.

The Christians in Galatia had proclaimed such joy in receiving the gospel message of salvation and held Paul in such esteem that they would have given him their eyes. Now that they have been seduced by the false teaching of legalism, however, they appear to have rejected Paul and his message. But Paul did not take it personal; hence, his proclamation in verse twelve, “you have done me no harm.”

Application

When Paul delivered the gospel message and saw souls being saved, he did not take credit for the miracle of grace, he gave the glory to God. So now those who once rejoiced in their salvation do not insult Paul when they have turned from the simple truth to their legalistic practices. It is not their preacher that they harm, but themselves.

Let us continue to shine the light of the glorious gospel by witnessing it to those around us. And when we see souls being saved, let us give the glory to God; after all, He’s the one who deserves it.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Galatians 4:14 – Rejection or Blessing

Posted on December 12, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:14

¹⁴And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

Truth to Learn

Do not judge a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ by his appearance or his credentials. Judge him by his message.

Behind the Words

There is a variation in the manuscripts as to whether Paul says “my trial” or “your trial.” Most likely, “your trial” is the proper reading. The word “trial” is a form of the Greek word “peiradzō,” which refers to a trial, a temptation, or a putting to the test. This Greek word is used only in reference to people.

The word translated “reject” is a form of “ekptuō,” which is a compound word made up of “ek” which means out of and “ptuō” meaning to spit (most likely where we get our English slang “ptuey”). So, literally this word means to spit out, but it is often interpreted as reject. Perhaps in this verse, this word should be taken literally, however, since there was a custom in Paul’s day of spitting out at the sight of invalids, especially epileptics.

“Angelos” is the Greek word that is translated here as “angel.” The root meaning of the word, however, is a messenger and should likely be translated as such in this verse.

Meaning Explained

This is another verse that is difficult to interpret and is explained in different ways by even the most eminent of scholars. On the surface it appears that Paul is saying that the Galatian Christians did not despise or reject their trial which was in Paul’s flesh, but that doesn’t make much sense. How does one reject a trial? The interpretation that makes the most sense is that which is explained by Marvin R. Vincent, D.D. in his book Vincent’s Word Studies. He renders the previous verse and this one together in the following manner:

“Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel to you the first time, and [ye know] your temptation which was in my flesh: ye did not despise nor reject me, but received me.”

In other words, it was a real temptation for the Galatians to treat Paul with contempt and “spit out” at his appearance because of the physical infirmity that he was dealing with at the time. Instead of yielding to the temptation, however, they warmly received Paul even as they would naturally have received an angel of God. Paul reminds them that they received him and his message with eagerness, respect, and reverence because they recognized that his message truly was from God.

Application

Have you ever noticed that television and print commercials always use attractive, healthy individuals to portray their message? Even commercials for drugs don’t show someone who is sick or wracked with a diseased condition. Instead, they show someone who looks perfectly healthy, as if it is evidence that the drug has worked a miracle.

Paul could not help the way he appeared to the Galatians when he first preached the gospel message to them, and their natural reaction to him would have been one of rejection. But instead of rejecting him, they accepted him graciously, much to their benefit and to the glory of God.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:13 – Preached Through Pain

Posted on December 12, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:13

¹³You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first.

Truth to Learn

We tend to evaluate those who minister to us based on external factors. Instead, we should evaluate them on how close they stick to the truth and on how lovingly they deliver that truth to us, whether it hurts or not.

Behind the Words

“Because of” is translated from the Greek word “dia,” which is a preposition denoting the channel of an act or action. Its most basic meaning is through. Paul did not minister to the Galatians as a result of infirmity but in spite of it.

The word translated “infirmity” is “astheneia,” which is made up of “a,” meaning not or without, and a form of “sthenos,” meaning strength. Hence, it literally means without strength. This is the most comprehensive word used in Greek in reference to physical sickness of any kind. Paul makes an even stronger statement as to his physical infirmity by saying that it is “tēs sarkos,” meaning of the body.

In Greek the word “pro” means before or in front of. There are comparative (more than another) and superlative (the most of several) forms of this word of which “proteron” is the comparative. Hence, Paul is making reference to the former time in which he preached the gospel message to the Galatians. He may also be making a reference to the fact that he preached the gospel message to them before these false teachers taught their heresy to them.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told the Galatians “you have not injured me at all.” As we mentioned in our discussion of that verse, Paul is letting them know that he doesn’t take personal their apparent rejection of his preaching. In fact, he will show in this verse and the following that he was fully aware of the kindness that the Galatians showed to him when he first began to minister among them.

He reminds them here that he labored among them in preaching the gospel in the midst of physical infirmity. We are not told specifically what this infirmity was. Some believe that it was an eye infection that plagued him repeatedly while others believe that he was beset with recurring headaches. Whatever the malady, it very well may have been the thorn in the flesh that he talked about in 2 Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 12:7 ⁷And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.

And, in the next verse we will see that the Galatians were very kind to him and received him and his message in spite of the physical problems that he was facing.

Application

We are all guilty of judging people by how they look and how they make us feel. The most popular people tend to be the ones who are the most attractive and physically fit. And, the best liked preachers tend to be the ones who make us feel good.

In reality, the best ministers of the gospel are the ones who tell us the truth, in love, even when it hurts.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:12 – Be Like Me

Posted on December 10, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:12

¹²Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all.

Truth to Learn

We need to be a living example of our faith so that, like Paul, we can say, “Be like me.”

Behind the Words

“Become” is translated from a form of “ginomai,” which means to come into being or to become. In this particular case it is used in the imperative mood implying a command.

The Greek word translated “I urge” is “deomai” which literally means to be lacking of things or to need. Idiomatically, it means to make a request of another for something you need. Hence, it is often translated as “I beg.” In the current verse it is used in conjunction with the command form of “ginomai;” therefore, the translation as “I urge” is very appropriate.

The word “injured” is translated from a form of the word “adikos” which is made up of “a” meaning not and a form of “dikeō” meaning just or righteous. Hence, “adikos” refers to an injustice or harm that has been done to someone.

Meaning Explained

Though brief, this verse nonetheless appears obscure. There are nearly as many interpretations of it as there are interpreters. These tend to break down into three basic interpretations.

· You and I should be alike. Think of yourselves as just like me and I will think of myself to be just like you.

· Imitate me in rejecting the Jewish rites because I, having rejected these rites, was just like you when I preached the gospel to you.

· Imitate my example – though I am a Jew by birth, I have no more need of the Jewish rites than you do.

This last interpretation makes the most sense. The basic question that Paul has been addressing is whether or not a Christian is required to follow the Jewish rites and customs. Clearly, Paul has said, “No, we are not required to do so.” Hence, the expression, “I urge you to become like me” means that Paul wants the Galatian Christians to free themselves from these enslaving rituals just as he has done. Though born a Jew, Paul has been released from the shackles of tradition and legal obedience.

Paul’s expression, “for I became like you,” is his way of saying that although he grew up under the bondage of legalism and customs, he has rejected them even to the point of becoming like a Gentile as the Galatians were.

The last part of this verse is also a bit obscure. It appears that Paul is telling the people in the Galatian churches that even though they seem to have rejected Paul’s former teaching in favor of what the false teachers have led them to believe, he does not consider it a personal affront. He says, “I do not take your rejection of my teaching as personal.”

Application

Each of us, as a Christian, has a message to deliver to the world: “Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and you can know the forgiveness of your sins as I do.”

Do your actions and your attitude give them sufficient reason to want to be like you?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:11 – Hard Labor

Posted on December 6, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:11

¹¹I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.

Truth to Learn

Someone was faithful and diligent in preaching the gospel to you when you got saved. You should be grateful to them and to God.

Behind the Words

“I am afraid” is translated from the Greek “phoboumai,” which is a verb form of the noun “phobos” (from which we get our English word phobia) meaning fear. The verb “phobouai” means to frighten, to terrify, to put in fear, or to cause to run away. This is a very strong word for Paul to have used implying a grave concern for the Christians in Galatia.

Some translations have rendered this as “I am afraid of you.” This phrase in the Greek only has a verb (I am afraid) and a direct object (you, plural). Hence, it could be interpreted as I fear you or I am afraid with respect to you. The latter interpretation seems more reasonable in the context of what Paul is telling the Galatian Christians.

The word “labored” is translated from a form of “kopiaō” meaning to be weary, worn-out, or faint. The use of this word implies that Paul previously put great effort into his ministry to the churches in Galatia.

Meaning Explained

Some would read this as Paul declaring his fear that his labor on the Galatians was a waste of his own time, which could have been put to use on someone else. This is not what he is saying at all. Paul’s concern is not for himself or the effort that he has expended; his concern is for the spiritual condition of the Christians in the churches in Galatia. He is saying he is concerned that, in spite of the effort he and others expended in getting the pure gospel message to the Galatians, they have allowed others to convince them of a false gospel.

Paul is more concerned for the spiritual welfare of these church members than he is for himself. He clearly believes them to be genuinely saved because he refers to them as “brethren” several times in this letter. This is a term of fellowship that he only uses with true members of the body of Christ.

The observance of Jewish rites and ritualistic practices, however, is so counter to what true faith in Jesus Christ is that Paul cannot conceive of a genuinely saved Christian believing that these are necessary. His conviction on this point is so strong that he not only expends the effort of writing this lengthy letter to them, but he also risks offending them by using very direct and very strong language with them.

Galatians 4:20 ²⁰I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.

Paul obviously has a great love for these people, but he is not willing to soften his stance or compromise his beliefs regarding salvation by grace through faith and faith alone.

Application

Do you remember who it was that preached the gospel message to you the day you got saved? Do you have a parent, a grandparent, or a friend who prayed for you without ceasing until you got saved?

Have you ever told them thank you for their own effort and faithfulness?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:10 – Rite is Wrong

Posted on December 5, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:10

¹⁰You observe days and months and seasons and years.

Truth to Learn

Our relationship with God is based on faith, not on the observance of special days and events.

Behind the Words

The word translated observe is “paratēreisthe,” which is made up of “para” meaning close or near and a form of “tēreō” meaning to keep or observe. The literal meaning refers to a person standing close to something and carefully observing it. In Acts 9:24 the use of this word means to keep a careful watch (on the gates of the city). In the current verse, however, it means to keep careful, scrupulous observance of days, months, seasons, and years lest any of these should be overlooked or not observed properly. This particular verb is in the present tense, middle voice, and indicative mood. The present tense and indicative mood imply continuous action.

In English we have active verbs (the subject is acting on something else) and passive verbs (the action is being done to the subject.) In Greek there is, additionally, the middle voice indicating that the subject is acting on itself. Hence, this particular verb implies that it is an ongoing activity which the Galatians are doing to or for themselves.

Meaning Explained

In this verse we get an indication of some of the ritualistic practices that the Galatian Christians were observing in addition to circumcision. They were regularly paying careful attention to the following:

· days (fasting days, feast days, new moons, days in honor of particular historical events or people, etc.)

· months (the Jewish calendar had four months with special significance; Abib – the ear month which marked the beginning of harvest, Ziv – the flower month, Ethanum – the month of streaming rivers, and Bul – the month of rain)

· seasons (Passover, the Feast of Pentecost, the Feast of Tabernacles, etc.)

· years (sabbatical years every seventh year and the Year of Jubilee)

Apparently, the Galatians had been taught by the false teachers to observe the Jewish calendar with all its special times. As a former Pharisee, Paul was well aware of these observances and he had been trained to keep the ritualistic practices associated with each of them, yet now he condemned these practices. Therefore, although it may have given the Galatians great satisfaction thinking that there was something they could do in their own strength to gain God’s approval, these practices did nothing in terms of their relationship with God. Later in this letter Paul will remind them that in Christ we are free, but in these observances we put ourselves under bondage again.

Application

If Paul was this critical of the Galatians over 1900 years ago, what would he say to professing Christians today who are seeking to attain holiness by legal observances? Would he not condemn the traditions brought into Christianity from Judaism and paganism: a humanly ordained priesthood with distinctive clothing, refraining from certain activities on the Sabbath, special observances on holy days, church traditions, etc.?

What would he say to you?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:9 – Bondage Again?

Posted on December 4, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:9

⁹But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?

Truth to Learn

Once you are truly saved through faith in Christ, there is no reason to return to the rituals that couldn’t save you in the first place.

Behind the Words

The word “known,” appearing twice in this verse, is from “ginōskō” which refers to an experiential knowledge. This is a more personal type of knowledge than the “eidō” knowledge which we saw in the previous verse.

The expression “how is it that” is a translation of the Greek word “pōs” which is a question full of wonder. Today we might say “How in the world could you possibly do that?”

“You turn” is translated from a form of the Greek word “epistrephō” which means to turn toward something. This particular verb is present tense, active voice, and indicative mood indicating action that is in progress.

The words “weak” and “beggarly” are translated from “astenos,” meaning without strength, and “ptōcha,” meaning poor and utterly helpless.

Meaning Explained

Paul now takes off the kid gloves and gives it to the Galatians straight out. He previously was talking about the religious rituals that were performed by people before true knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ. He now counters with “But now after you have known God,” and what he is saying is this: for those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and have an experiential knowledge of what true faith is all about, how can we then go back to the hollow useless trappings of ritualism? But, Paul immediately corrects himself by saying, “or rather are known by God.” His point here is that our salvation is not about us seeking God but about God reaching out to us. As he told the Christians at Rome:

Romans 3:10-11 ¹⁰As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; ¹¹there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God.”

Now he asks the convicting question, “How in the world can you now go back to those legalistic and ritualistic practices? They didn’t do you any good before you were saved, and they certainly don’t add anything to your salvation now.” Paul calls these things weak and beggarly. In other words, these practices and rituals have no strength to do anything spiritual, and they provide you absolutely no help at all! Not only do they not free you, these things bring you back into bondage again!

The false teachers were teaching the Galatians that Christians had to become circumcised and observe many of the rituals and holidays that the Jews had observed since Moses gave them the law. But if these things couldn’t save them before the Messiah came to die on the cross for them, how can they be of any value now that Christ has died and risen again?

Application

Is your Christian life based on faithful obedience to God and His Word, the Bible? Or is it based on the teachings, practices, and rituals of your church?

One is true saving faith and the other is slavery!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:8 – Hollow Ritual

Posted on December 3, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:8

⁸But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.

Truth to Learn

Before we were saved we may have thought that we were serving God, but we weren’t. We were merely performing ritualistic practices.

Behind the Words

The Greek words translated “you did not know” are “ouk eidotes.” The word “ouk” implies the absolute negative and the word “eidotes” is a form of “eidō” which means to see. But it carries more than just the notion of beholding something; it means to perceive it and is, therefore, often used in the sense of perceptual knowledge.

The word translated “served” is “douleuō,” a verb formed from the noun “doulos” which, as we have recently seen, refers to a slave of the lowest order. Hence, this verb means to be an abject slave to someone or something.

Meaning Explained

Back in verse three of this chapter, Paul informed the Galatian Christians that when they were children, spiritually speaking, they were under bondage to the elemental ritualistic practices of religion. He now harkens back to that state and informs them of some additional truths about their former religious practices.

First of all, Paul declares that at that time they did not know God; that is, they did not perceive who and what He really is. He also tells them that although they thought they were serving God, they were in fact serving something other than the true God. He describes what they were serving as “those which by nature are not gods.” These were false gods and no better than inanimate idols.

There has been some discussion as to whether Paul is referring to the Galatian converts from Judaism or from paganism. It appears, however, that this can be applied to either group. If it refers to the Jewish converts, Paul tells them that even though they thought they were serving the true God, they were simply performing ritualistic temple practices that were ineffectual. If it refers to the pagan converts, Paul is telling them that the worship they offered to their idols was likewise ineffectual.

In either case, the ritualism was not a service to God! In the coming verses Paul will show the Galatians that the teachings of their false teachers were actually taking them back to ritualism that has no value in true worship of God.

Application

Our churches today are filled with ritualistic practices and things that are done in a way prescribed by man. Whether it is the reciting of a memorized prayer or response, the genuflection required at certain times or places within a liturgy, or the singing of a particular song when the offering is being presented on the altar, it’s all ritual.

“But what’s wrong with ritual,” you may ask. Nothing, as long as we recognize that it is simply ritual and has absolutely no spiritual significance whatsoever! God does not want ritualism; he wants submissive devotion and worship. When we perform our ritualistic practices, we may be making ourselves feel better and we may be pleasing the leadership and other members of our church, but we are doing nothing for God.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:7 – Permanent Heir

Posted on December 2, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:7

⁷Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Truth to Learn

Because we have been adopted as a child of God we now have all the rights of inheritance, permanently.

Review

Before the Son of God came as the Messiah (born in a manger and crucified on a cross), mankind was spiritually under bondage to religious practices that could not provide the righteousness needed to stand in the presence of a Holy God. The law, which was given to the Jews through Moses, served as a guardian to watch over the Jews and as a steward to make important decisions for them, but it could not free them. Under the law, man is no better than a slave with no rights to inherit the things that our Heavenly Father has prepared for us.

But then Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to live His perfect life and offer Himself on the cross as payment for our sins. Now, through faith in His blood, we are adopted into God’s family as His children with all the rights of inheritance. And, as a result of us being declared the children of God we have the Spirit of God living in us, allowing us to cry out to God with the most endearing terms possible: “Abba, Father.”

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from the Greek word “hōste” meaning so too, accordingly, or therefore. It serves to closely connect the following clause with what has just been said.

The word translated “slave” is “doulos” meaning one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another. There are other words in the Greek language for servants: “oiketēs” meaning a household servant and “misthōtos” meaning a hired servant. A doulos slave, having no legal rights, was of the lowest order in Roman society.

Meaning Explained

Because of our faith in Jesus Christ we are adopted children of God. Now Paul gets very personal and changes from the second person plural to the second person singular, talking individually to each one of us. He tells us that because of our adoption each of us is no longer a slave of the lowest order but a son (child). And not just any old child but one who is declared to be an heir of God the Father.

Under Jewish law only the male children could inherit property from the father, and the oldest male child inherited a double portion, but under Roman law all children inherited with equal rights. Paul here tells us that as adopted children of God we now all have the same rights of inheritance as the “Only Begotten Son” because we have become an heir through Him.

Application

Since we are no longer a slave but an adopted child of God, we are in line to inherit what God has for us. And, by both Jewish and Roman law, an adopted child could not be disinherited as a natural born child could. So, in essence, Paul is showing us that by being adopted as children by God we can never become un-adopted. Hence, we are saved for eternity, and we cannot lose that salvation!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 4:6 – Abba, Father!

Posted on November 29, 2007 by admin

Galatians 4:6

⁶And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

Truth to Learn

Through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ we can know the most intimate fellowship with the God of all creation.

Behind the Words

The word “because” is a translation of “hoti,” which can be used to mean as a proof that (demonstrative use) or as a result of the fact that (causative use). In this verse most Greek scholars agree that its use is causative, hence, the translation “because.”

The words “crying out” are translated from the Greek word “kradzō.” This is an onomatopoetic word, that is, a word formed by the sound that it represents. Our English words boom and whoosh are onomatopoetic words. In the case of “kradzō,” it means to croak like a raven. In its use here and elsewhere in Scripture it refers to a loud cry of exclamation.

“Abba, Father” is both Aramaic (the language of the Jews after the Babylonian captivity) and Greek. “Abba” is the Aramaic word for father and “ho patēr” is its Greek equivalent. “Abba” is used in several places in the New Testament where it is always followed by its Greek translation. Abba is a familial term of endearment which servants were not permitted to use in addressing the master of the family to which they belonged. In his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane Christ used this expression when pouring out his heart to the Father.

Meaning Explained

In the previous few verses we have been told that God sent His Son to redeem us (purchase us and take us out of the market place) so that He might adopt us as His children. Now, Paul tells us that as a result of that adoption, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts. There has been some debate as to whether Paul means the Holy Spirit or the spiritual quality of the Son of God. To me it makes the most sense to understand it as the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity.

Paul uses a similar expression in the book of Romans referring to Him both as the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ:

Romans 8:9 ⁹But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Only those who are saved during the church age, who believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for their sins, are said to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit. And, because of this amazing fact, we can refer to God with the most endearing term a child can possible use, “Abba, Father.” This is like a child today calling his father Papa or Daddy. Paul even tells us here that it is the very Holy Spirit of God which is proclaiming this familial endearment for us.

Application

Have you confessed your sinfulness before God and accepted the blood of Christ to pay for those sins? If so, then you can have the most intimate relationship possible with God.

I pray that you are experiencing this kind of relationship with your Heavenly Father right now.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –