Today's Passage - Galatians 4 1-7

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Galatians 4:1-7   What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate.  The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father.  So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world.  But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,  to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.  Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."  So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.   Those who are in Christ can call our God, "Abba, Father" as the spirit of God's son is dwelling in us. What a precious promise this is!  We are no longer a slave in God's eyes but His children.  Being a slave, one is full of anxiety as we may not receive what we expect from God. I always had a misunderstanding when I was young thinking that God would not give what I wish, but what I do not wish instead.  The pastor referred this as a lesson of submission, and, as a result, I always wanted to keep God at a distance for fear that He would not give me the best.  As we keep God at a distance, we will never experience His abundant grace.   As a slave, we are always fearful that we may not please our God, which also prevents us from building a relationship with Him.  This is especially true for Chinese Christians as we all face great expectations from our parents wanting us to get "A"s  in our classes, else  we would  not be up to their standards. This type of mentality has deeply affected our relationship with God as we always feel inadequate coming before Him, and we would not  be pleasing to Him until we have achieved perfection according to His standard; little do we know that God accepts us just as we are.  God loves us as we come to Him not because of your good behaviors, but He truly loves you just because of who you are.   On the other hand, a servant always serves his master gingerly because this is his  job.    But we often forget that we are His children, and are busy serving Him without realizing that we can also sit down with Him and enjoy His banquet.   May the Lord help us recognize our own status, and as His children we can serve Him without fear and can graciously accept all His blessings.                                                                       Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, we thank You for in Christ, we have become Your children.  May You take away all our fear so that we may come before You with an open spirit, and be filled with Your joy and blessings.  With thanks we pray, in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!