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Stand Firm - Our Adoption

  • Writer: Paul Downie
    Paul Downie
  • Aug 3
  • 13 min read

Galatians 3:23-29 NIV 

[23] Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. [24] So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. [25] Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. [26] So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. 

(Read the full passage at: https://bible.com/bible/111/gal.3.23-29.NIV )


Galatians 4:1-7 NIV 

[1] 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. [2] The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. [3] So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. [4] But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. [6] Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” [7] So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. 

(Read the full passage at: https://bible.com/bible/111/gal.4.1-7.NIV)


A few weeks ago, a former pastor visited our church. His family had always seemed to be growing, with his wife giving birth every few years. Now, some of those children were teenagers, and they had a couple of new additions: adopted children, seemingly from Africa.


It was truly wonderful to see the children born "of natural descent," as the Bible might say, playing with their adopted siblings as if there were no racial or cultural differences at all.


Children often succeed where adults sometimes stumble.


This passage from Galatians describes something so glorious it should make our hearts soar: our adoption into the family of God. It's a beautiful truth, but it also carries serious implications that we need to consider carefully.


Before we dive into the details, let's explore the underlying concept of adoption in the ancient world, as it's quite different from what many of us imagine today.


The Ancient Concept of Adoption


Genesis 15:1-3 NIV 

[1] After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” [2] But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” [3] And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” 

(Read the full passage at: https://bible.com/bible/111/gen.15.1-3.NIV)


When we think of adoption today, we often picture a loving family bringing a child into their home and raising them as their own. While that core idea of love and belonging remains, the ancient understanding had additional layers.


Consider Abraham's situation in Genesis 15:1-3. He was childless, and his heir was Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in his household. This wasn't just a hypothetical scenario. In ancient Roman and Near Eastern societies, it was a common practice for wealthy, childless couples to formally adopt young slaves or even adult slaves. These individuals would be educated, disciplined, and prepared to manage the entire family estate.


These adopted heirs, despite owning the whole estate eventually, would not inherit until they reached adulthood. Until then, they remained legally akin to slaves. They had no agency or power over their own fate; they weren't truly free. Their "tutors" or "guardians" were essentially a blend of nannies and teachers, responsible for their care, education, and preparation.


Paul uses this concept of a slave becoming an adopted son and inheriting an estate to illustrate our spiritual journey, breaking it down into three stages. The first stage is that of a Slave.


Stage 1: The Slave


Romans 6:15-18 NIV 

[15] What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! [16] Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? [17] But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. [18] You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. 

Galatians 4:1-3 NIV 

[1] 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. [2] The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. [3] So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world.  

(Read the full passage at: https://bible.com/bible/111/gal.4.1-3.NIV)


The term "slave" can be deeply unsettling, and rightly so. The history of slavery, whether within tribes or the trans-Atlantic slave trade, represents some of the most profound injustices humans have inflicted upon each other. The modern slave trade remains a heinous crime that we should all actively work to abolish. For example, the International Labour Organization estimated in 2021 that 27.6 million people were in forced labor, a form of modern slavery.


While the Roman slave trade had nuances, with some slaves holding respected positions, they were never truly free. Their liberty was always out of reach, regardless of their treatment.


Paul's powerful point in these verses is that, in a spiritual sense, all human beings are slaves. We are not truly free. We lack complete agency or the right to choose, because we are all slaves to sin.


Jesus himself states this chilling truth:


John 8:31-34 NIV 

[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. [32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [33] They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” [34] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.  

We might pride ourselves on our freedom and democracy, but when we choose to sin, we surrender that freedom to a destructive force. This often begins with a series of choices that lead us down a path where we feel trapped. Think about addictions, destructive relationships, or harmful behaviors—they all illustrate this spiritual slavery.


Paul describes this internal struggle:


Romans 7:14-24 NIV 

[14] We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. [15] I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. [16] And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. [17] As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. [18] For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. [19] For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. [20] Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. [21] So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. [22] For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; [23] but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. [24] What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?  

The Law, while revealing our sin, offered no solution, only a constant reminder of our failings. It was like a diagnostic tool that identified the problem but provided no cure.

But here's the good news: Jesus is the solution!


Romans 7:24-25 NIV 

[24] What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? [25] Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! 

Romans 6:17-18 NIV 

[17] But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. [18] You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. 

Through Jesus Christ, we are set free from sin. We are no longer slaves to it. This profound truth has enormous implications. If we were all slaves to sin, unable to free ourselves, and required Jesus Christ to do it for us, then what advantage do any of us have over another? How are we superior?


The answer is, we are not.


That's why Paul wrote Galatians 3:26-29. In Christ Jesus, there is no more room for inferiority or superiority, no basis for feeling better or worse than one another. Cliques and special interest groups become meaningless. We were all utterly lost, and now, through Christ, we are all utterly found.


This idea was revolutionary in the ancient world, putting slaves and freemen, women and men, bosses and employees on the same level before God. Society was turned upside down. The church, too, must reclaim this truth. We are sinners, saved by grace, freed from sin at the cross. We have nothing to boast about.


Beyond being slaves, the second stage Paul describes is that of a Child.


Stage 2: The Child


Galatians 4:1-2 NIV 

[1] 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. [2] The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father.  

(Read the full passage at: https://bible.com/bible/111/gal.4.1-2.NIV)


In the ancient world, children had few rights and little agency. They were not considered fully valued members of society until they reached adulthood. This is why Paul's assertion that a child is "no different from a slave" was so striking. A child was under the strict guidance of tutors or guardians, receiving training and discipline.


For the Jewish people, they saw themselves as the rightful heirs of God's promises, while Gentiles were brought in as converts. Both, Paul argued, were being tutored by the Law, learning the difference between right and wrong. The Law, like a wise tutor, teaches us rules, wisdom, and righteousness. Proverbs 3:1-8 beautifully illustrates the wisdom gained from following God's commands.


Proverbs 3:1-8 NIV 

[1] My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, [2] for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. [3] Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. [4] Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. [5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. [7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. [8] This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. 

However, the Law also reveals our shortcomings.


Romans 3:21-24 NIV 

[21] But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. [22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  

The Law's function isn't to make us feel good about ourselves, but to lead us to Jesus, who alone is good and offers righteousness through faith.


Children don't instinctively know right from wrong; they need to be taught and, at times, corrected. That's what the Law does for us. We find ourselves under its guardianship, on the "wrong side of the line," until Jesus Christ comes and releases us, like a child coming of age. The slavery stage speaks of our release from addiction to sin; the childhood stage speaks of release from the confinement of the Law.


But what happens next is even more glorious. The third stage is that of an Orphan.


Stage 3: The Orphan


Galatians 4:4-7 NIV 

[4] But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. [6] Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” [7] So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. 

(Read the full passage at: https://bible.com/bible/111/gal.4.4-7.NIV)


John 1:12-13 NIV 

[12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— [13] children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 

1 John 3:1 NIV 

[1] See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

(Read the full passage at: https://bible.com/bible/111/1jn.3.1.NIV)


From ancient times to today, orphans have consistently been among the most vulnerable in society. Scripture repeatedly commands us to defend and care for them (Deuteronomy 10:18, Zechariah 7:8-10, Isaiah 1:16-17). Sadly, even in our "developed" societies, the exploitation of vulnerable children continues, a depravity that God utterly hates and will severely judge (Matthew 18:6).


Being an orphan is a desperate position. I've visited orphanages, and while staff do their best, there's an underlying reality for the children: they've been abandoned. The psychological impact is immense. I recall visiting an AIDS hospice for abandoned children in Romania, and a young boy with complex needs shuffled over and softly asked, "Are you my Daddy?" It broke my heart to say no.


But here's the profound truth about adoption: it's not earned. You don't pass an exam to be adopted. Someone has to see you, believe you're the right fit, and love you unconditionally—with all your damage, pain, and quirks. They choose you. Then, they endure a challenging and often protracted process to bring you home. It takes real drive and determination.


Paul tells us: we were orphaned. God loved us. He paid the price for us. He took us home. This is an incredible, wonderful image of the Gospel. Ephesians 1:4-6 tells us that He chose us "before the creation of the world" and "predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ."


This adoption was once primarily for the Jewish people (Romans 9:3-5). But Paul, in Galatians, declares that it has now been extended to all people (1 Peter 2:9-10, Ephesians 2:11-13). We were once separated, excluded, and without hope, but now, through Christ's blood, we have been brought near.


These verses describe a freed slave, a matured child, and now, an abandoned orphan becoming an heir. An heir to what? Salvation. Because of God's undeserved adoption, we inherit salvation. This is an awesome truth.


I once heard a story of an orphaned boy who, when taunted by children living with their parents, proudly retorted, "I don't know why you look down on me. My parents love me more than yours love you. Think about it: when you were born, your parents had no choice. But my parents chose me!"


Yes, this world can leave us feeling abandoned and exploited. We might be tempted to become cynical. But Christ is the answer! He chose us, adopted us, and paid for our freedom. How could we ever walk away from that?


Conclusion


Galatians 3:26-29 NIV 

[26] So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. 

Have you ever visited a place so breathtaking that your photos, no matter how good, simply couldn't capture its full glory? Paul gives us three powerful pictures of our salvation, and while they are truly glorious, I don't believe they can fully do it justice, because God's salvation is simply too wonderful for human words.


First, there's the picture of a slave released and becoming an heir. Paul describes us as enslaved to the basic elemental forces of this world – our self-centered desires for food, sleep, gratification. This becomes an addiction, leading us to believe nothing can change. But Paul declares we can break free and live a life of true worth and freedom.


Second, he uses the picture of a child maturing under tutors until adulthood. The Law served as our tutor, teaching us right from wrong. However, this is a test we all fail. The Law reveals our need for a Savior.


Third, and most wonderfully, he talks of adoption, where an abandoned child is brought into a family and given the same rights as a blood-born relative. We are adopted, not because we deserved it, but because God loves us and chose us.


These are human concepts, ways to describe something immeasurably more glorious than we can imagine, "according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20). As Romans 11:33-36 proclaims:


Romans 11:33-36 NIV 

[33] Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! [34] “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” [35] “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” [36] For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. 

These pictures are stunningly beautiful, yet they are but glimpses of the vast ocean of salvation God has accomplished for us. They also explain why Paul was so firm with Peter (Galatians 2:12-21). If we are all saved by grace, not by our works, then there is no basis for treating any Christian differently. The modern church desperately needs to relearn this lesson.


Every study in Galatians prompts us to ask: Why would you ever walk away from this incredible truth? Why surrender the genuine article for a cheap imitation that offers nothing but emptiness?


This study has lifted us to the heights of God's amazing blessing in salvation. The view is astounding. Christian, never forget it. The world and the devil would love for you to trade this profound reality for a cheap fake. Do not be deceived. This is the truth.



Prayer


Lord Jesus, what You have done for me in saving my soul leaves me breathless in amazement. It is just too wonderful. Help me remember this when I am tempted to walk away. Amen.


Questions for Reflection


  1. What three pictures does Paul use to explain what God has done for us? Why do you think he chose these specific images?

  2. Considering that "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female," what implications does this have for how we treat other Christians, especially those who are different from us?

  3. Based on this sermon, what do you believe Paul ultimately wants the Galatians (and us) to do with this message of adoption?

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