Stop Acting Like Children | Galatians 3:24-26

So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. — Galatians 3:24-26

CALL OUT: I want to give a shout-out to Todd Hansen, our Prayer Team Leader, who is presently in Panama, MX. Thanks so much for your partnership in the Gospel. Which reminds me, if you need prayer, please reach out here: The Prayer Wall.

The word "guardian" is a choice word. In the Greek language, the word is "paidagōgos." A paidagōgos or a pedagogue was a slave entrusted with the responsibility of training a child. They weren't just teachers who taught lessons from books constrained to the information that they were an expert in. They served as a living moral compass for the direction and discipline of a child. Then, when the child was old enough, they eventually outgrew the need for their pedagogue.

In context, Paul is saying that the law functioned in the same way. The law was a temporary teacher responsible for the direction and discipline of God's people until our justification was revealed. Thus, we are no longer children parented by the guardian of the law, but we are children of God by faith.

Paul is telling the believers, it is time to grow up. You are acting like little children, subjecting yourselves to a way that was. You are no longer slaves. You are sons of God. You are recipients of the promise. You are freed from the law of sin. Live by faith in freedom within God's family. Stop going back to the old ways of serving the old pedagogue. That time is done.

In the spiritual life, we sometimes need someone to tell us this. So, if you feel stunted in your faith, isn't it time to start doing something about that? Are you going to wait around for someone to spoon-feed you spiritual sustenance like a child in the faith? Or is it time to grow up? To declare and define a point of separation with no return to your childlike ways. If you are ready to do this right now, you could do one of two things: You could either declare there is something you are going to stop doing forever and not go back to it. Or you can declare there is something you are going to start doing that you are going to build into the fabric of your spiritual life. You might even decide to do both.

But do me a favor; don't act like a child and do nothing.

#FaithOverLaw #SpiritualMaturity #EmbraceSonship #BreakFreeFromLegalism #GrowInFaith

ASK THIS:

1. Reflecting on your spiritual journey, in what ways have you relied on religious rules and regulations rather than fully embracing the freedom and sonship offered through faith in Christ?
2. Considering Paul's call to spiritual maturity, what specific steps can you take today to transition from a mindset of spiritual immaturity to one of responsibility and growth in your relationship with God?

DO THIS: Stop acting like a child in the faith.

PRAY THIS: Father, help me to release the grip of legalism and embrace the freedom and sonship You have provided through faith in Christ. Guide me in my journey toward spiritual maturity, empowering me to live boldly as Your child and to walk in the fullness of Your grace. Amen.

PLAY THIS: No Longer Slaves.