Day 3 — Son and Heir

“And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.”

— Galatians 4:6–7 (BSB)

In the Roman world when Paul wrote this, there was a huge difference between a slave and a son.

A slave in a rich household might live in the same house as the family. He might eat their food and work in their fields. But he didn’t belong. He had no say. He could be sold. And he would never inherit anything.

A son was completely different. A son belonged. He could come to his father anytime. And one day, everything his father owned would be his. He was an heir.

Paul says that if you belong to Jesus, you’re not a slave to God. You’re a son. And that means you’re also an heir. Everything God has promised His family, forgiveness, His presence, eternal life and a place in His kingdom, belongs to you.

Some guys think about God like a strict boss. I’d better do everything right, or I’ll be in trouble. They try to earn God’s approval by being good enough. That’s thinking like a slave.

But you don’t have to earn your place in God’s family. Jesus already earned it for you. You were adopted as a son, and nothing can undo that.

Look at the words Paul uses: God sent His Spirit into our hearts “crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’” Abba was the word little Jewish children used for their dad, something like “Daddy” or “Papa.” It’s a close, warm, trusting word. Jesus Himself used it when He prayed.

God doesn’t want you to come to Him like a nervous employee going into the boss’s office. He wants you to come like a son running to his dad.

That changes how you live. A son doesn’t obey his father to become a son. He obeys because he already is one, and because he loves his dad.

Think about it: Do you usually think about God more like a strict boss or like a loving Father? Why?

Try this: When you pray today, start with “Abba, Father.” Talk to Him like a son who knows he’s loved.

Abba, Father, thank You that I’m not a slave but a son. Thank You that I don’t have to earn my place in Your family. Help me come to You like a son who knows he’s loved, and help me obey You because I love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.