Introduction- ONE OF THE SHARPEST MESSAGES IN THE BIBLE IS FOUND IN GALATIANS

1. It is a book born of crisis- a matter of life and death for Churches in Galatia -Turkey
2. The Apostacy had crept in, Judaisers had won, legalism makes for great servants-but no sons!
3. But there is a message of humility in the youth of a Son- being heir of all-but under tutors

Our problem today is the desire for total freedom for every person- spiritual anarchy

I. THE SON AND THE SERVANT Gal 4:1-

For a while the difference between the Son and the Servant is very small- both need ABC123

A. THE CHILD HEIR AND THE SERVANT OR SLAVE ARE QUITE SIMILIAR FOR A SEASON - Gal 4:1

1. The rights of the Royal Child are hidden in the youth lest he destroy himself with fancies- what youthful appetites want can kill.
2. Perhaps an old, well disciplined servant, is placed in charge of the child-& teaches
3. But there is a difference in Blood- and time will show this difference. But now heir serves the servant.

B.- WITHOUT THE SCHOOLMASTER THE HEIR WOULD NEVER BECOME A MATURE MAN! 4:1

1.The OT Law is important- a schoolmaster to show us the way to Christ- Gal 3:24
2.The discipline of the law makes us act like a King's son should act!- & by force & violence!
3.The law hits us with a wooden sword-Teaches us to stay in step-AS KING APPOINTED!

C. THE CHILD IS IN BONDAGE ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME IF HE LEARNS HIS LESSONS WELL! 4:3 6-20 is 14 years, 21-62 = 41 years

1. If the child does not learn his lessons well- 14 years of own way -41 hears misery or death!
2. So during his training the young king was struck by Swordsmen, shamed by scholars,-discipline
3. Humility for the High Born is a needed step- and discipline builds character-& that-happiness

Discipline is a lacking factor in many today-& they are miserable now & till they die! Gal 4:2b, 4:4 age of accountability-

II.- THE SON OR THE SERVANT

There comes a time when a difference is made in the young life, and maturity comes!

A-THIS MATURITY COMES IN GOD'S APPOINTED TIME! IT VARIES FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE -

1. Those who claim to be grown up AREN'T, You don't prove you are adult by temper tantrums!
2. You don't prove your freedom by chaining yourself to bad habits- but by deciding RIGHT!
3. God gives you room to make decisions--WHAT WILLYOU DO WITH JESUS? -Receive Him, Obey Him!

B.- THOUGH GOD CREATED US. AS HIS SONS, WE ARE FALLEN, & LAW EITHER KILLS US OR BRINGS US TO CHRIST

1. Thank God every violation does not kill- but tutor trains carefully-but if we won't learn!
2. Jesus himself accepted the discipline 4:4 even to death on the cross -to save us!
3. At a certain time the Romans wore a Toga Virilis-(earned right to be adult & free) Are you?

C.- IT IS IN THE GROWTH THAT A CHILD SHOWS REAL LIFE, AND LACK OF GROWTH SHOWS DEATH -4:6,7

1. My children cry "Daddy" when they want some thing I can give -& run to mom when disobedient!
2. God has much to give you that will help you grow to spiritual maturity- Ask him for it!
3. Churches must be built on growing Christians- not sick babies crying for sugar and sweets!

There is a time when only your action shows whether a Son of God- or servant of sin!

III.- THE SON OVER THE SERVANT 4:19,20, and 5:1-4

It is wonderful to be Born free- but you can fall from grace 5:4 or never grow to grace!

A.- BEING AN HEIR OF ETERNAL PROMISES IS NOT OF THE FLESH, BUT IS OF THE SPIRIT AND PROMISE v.23

1. Not all Israel is of Israel- Rom 9:6, not all people in church are Christians- never been saved
2. Not all Christians (sons) are obedient sons- Matt 21:28-32- Which one inherited happiness?
3. Our lack of discipline with many will prevent-lasting marriage, finished jobs,-or any happiness

B.- THE CLAIM OF THE SLAVE MUST BE FOUGHT, THE CHAINS OF SLAVERY* v.28,-31 ancient Heirs must, defeat battle.

1. Kingly responsibilities must rule over youthful lusts-do as ought- not as want! Ancient heirs must defeat teacher in battle
2. You are born again- free from sin- show it! do not allow Satan to enslave you again.
3. With head up, eyes flashing, chest out, Walk in Reformation-not in revolution against God!

C.- SHOW YOUR SONSHIP BY YOUR SERVICE, FIGHTING BATTLES, BUILDING CASTLES, FOR YOUR KING!

1. The prince would go to battle in name of the King-& Satan's forces run! & come home victor!
2. The Prince would show his training by building great castle-for the glory of the empire!
3. How much have you done for your Heavenly Father- souls won? churches edified? walls lifted?

For soon you will inherit all the Glory you Give to Him- plus ALL THE FATHER HATH!

Conclusion-YOU CAN BE A GROWING SON OF GOD, OR YOU CAN BE A GROVELING SLAVE, SERVING SIN & SATAN

1. Accept Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior - and you will be made a son!
2. Accept the discipline of the law and grow in obedience to do great things for God-mature
3. The discipline of the moment is nothing compared with the eternities of glory Invitation-

But the choice is yours- some of you are cripples if sons at all!

_{SWC SE462-71}