No Longer Slaves

 

Scripture: Galatians 4:7 (NIV)

So, you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Devotion:

Galatians 4:7 captures the heart of the gospel and the radical transformation it brings to the lives of believers: “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” These words, penned by Paul, speak directly to our identity and our inheritance in Christ. This single sentence draws a clear line between our old life and the new life we have through faith.

Before knowing Jesus, we were slaves—slaves to sin, to fear, to the empty pursuits and burdens that weighed us down. We may have tried to earn acceptance or prove our worth, always wondering if we were good enough or if our past mistakes were too big to overcome. However, Paul assures us that the moment we accept Christ, our status changes dramatically. God Himself adopts us, welcomes us into His family not as outcasts or mere servants, but as cherished children.

Adoption is a powerful image. In Roman times, adoption meant the complete transfer of rights, privileges, and inheritance. The adopted child became a true son or daughter, not a second-class member. In the same way, our spiritual adoption means that all the promises of God are ours. We are loved. We are known. We are given a purpose and a hope that cannot be shaken. As heirs, we don’t just belong—we have access to every spiritual blessing in Christ, both now and forever.

How does this truth shape our daily lives? It means we can live with confidence, knowing that our value is not based on our past performance or past actions. God sees us as His own, and He delights in us. It means that when fear creeps in, we can remember that we are not abandoned or forgotten. We are sons and daughters of the King. It means we can approach God with boldness, bringing our needs, our doubts, and our dreams, knowing He hears us and cares deeply for us.

But this privilege also comes with responsibility. As children and heirs, we are called to reflect God’s love and grace to others. We are ambassadors of the Kingdom, sharing the message of freedom and belonging with those still living in slavery and those searching for acceptance and hope. Our lives become a testimony to God’s transforming power, a living invitation for others to experience the same adoption.

Today, let Galatians 4:7 remind you who you are. You are no longer a slave, but a child of God, an heir to His promises. Walk in that freedom and let your life shine with the joy and assurance that comes from being fully known and loved by your Father.

Prayer:

            Lord, thank you for calling us your children. It is pure grace on your part because we do not, and can never earn a place in your kingdom. Let us always praise you in church or in the street, going about our business. May we always exude joy in all we do. Help us always seek to provide a hand up when they have fallen. Amen.