Prior to the prophecy update, we're going through the epistle to the Galatian churches and chapter by chapter, verse by verse.

And today we start in a new chapter, chapter four. And our text will be verses 1 through 14.

So I'll have you turn there in your Bibles. And once you do, if you're able,

I'll ask you to stand. You can follow along as I read. If not, that's all right. We'll begin in

verse 1, chapter 4, where the apostle Paul is continuing his explanation and even correction of these Christians there in these churches

in the region known at the time as Galatia.

And he says verse one by the spirit of God, what I am saying is that as long as an heir is under age, he is no different from a slave,

although he owns the whole estate. The heir, verse 2, is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were under age,

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.

Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.

But now, verse 9, that you know God, or rather are known by God,

how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces?

Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.

I plead with you, brothers and sisters.

Become like me.

For I became like you.

You did me no wrong.

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