Devotional - July 17, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 4:6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba", Father.

I think this text deserves it's own devotional so you can fully appreciate the message Paul wants believers to know.  He calls attention to the sonship we find in Christ.  This is not to the exclusion of women.  Moreover, it is an extension to include women.  Sons were heirs of their father's estate and livelihood.  By Paul calling all his readers "sons" he includes women in the inheritance all the children of God receive through Christ.  In his day, women were not considered equal to men, spiritually or otherwise.  Paul clearly says otherwise.  He makes it clear that all will receive the Spirit of Christ and all can call to the Father on equal footing.  The message would have certainly got folks attention then, and unfortunately there are still some today who wince when they hear it.  But due to the radical stance Paul took when he wrote the letter, folks miss the message that needs acknowledgement.  Yes, the social message was and is important, but what about the spiritual message?  The very Spirit of God that was given to Christ (Mark 1:9-11, Matthew 3: 13-17, Luke 3: 21-22, and John 1:32-34) is now sent into our hearts.  Some might say, you couldn't tell by looking.  Are they wrong?  In many cases, yes.  I believe there are multitudes of Christians who seek diligently to live out their lives in the spirit of Christ.  They struggle with issues, by prayer and petition (Philippians 4:6), in their efforts to live the life of Christ in their everyday life.  In doing so, they come to know God more and more each day and they change.  Paul did not begin with this outlook on life.  No, this was a product of spiritual growth and his relationship with God.  It is not our nature to seek change, especially if what we have is what we want, or worse yet like.  Unless..., what we want is the Spirit of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16 and Philippians 2:5).    

Pray with me.., Holy God, continue to work Your will and way in our lives.  All that You do is a blessing.  Hear our prayers for our loved ones.  We ask Your blessing upon them and upon our church, that we may be the people you call us to be, in Jesus' name, Amen.

God's peace,

Pastor Brian