Beyond the Stars     

 Part 2  

Slavery and inheritance

   We all were born slaves. Wow. Paul explains to the Galatians in chapter 4:1-7, ...as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave... So also when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 

Father-Son relationship 

   But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son born of a woman, born under (Mosaic) law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights as sons. < Born again! > Because you are 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 a son ... and ... God has made you also an heir. 

   The Father and Son - God explains vertical relationship. Males were primary in the old culture. But awesome accounts of women who excelled appear in Hebrew texts as well. The Son died for daughters also.

   Abba is the Aramaic word for father. Jesus spoke Aramaic and used Abba when referring to his Father above. The word suggests warmth, deep emotion, depth of intimacy and confidence. People without loving, teaching, dependable fathers may find this relationship hard to grasp.

Spirit and life

   In Romans chapter 8:12-17, Paul writes, Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation - but it is not to the sinful nature ... For ... you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.

  

   Loving sons don't want to disappoint their fathers.

 Tomorrow: A will, and ratification