FULLNESS OF TIME

 

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

 

1.      In Vs 4, we learn four things about Jesus Christ.  He came in the fullness of time.  Jesus was born at the right time, in the right place for the right reason.  This was God’s timing.  One thing we learn here is that God’s timing is perfect.  It may not always be according to our timetable but God is always on time.  Timing is always important in comedy and the will of God.  Sometimes life almost seems comedic. 

 

A.     God sent His Son.  Jesus is the second person of the God head.  He was sent for a purpose to redeem mankind and be our avenue of salvation.  There is no other way, truth, or life.  Jesus is the only name under heaven which man can be saved.  His name is above all names.  Jesus is the God man, the perfect union and the divine.  Paul met Jesus personally and we must do the same.

B.     He was born of a woman.  Jesus was the seed of the woman and Abraham.  He was virgin born.  He was sinless.  He who knew no sin became sin for us.  The virgin birth is important because on it hangs the doctrines of original sin, the inspiration of Scripture, who Jesus was, and what Jesus did through salvation. Deny the virgin birth and you deny these other doctrines as well. The virgin birth circumvented the transmission of the sin nature and allowed the eternal God to become a perfect man. He never sinned, which qualified Him to be a righteous substitutionary sacrifice for sinners. Christ was fully man—therefore able to die—and fully God, so His death is of infinite worth and applicable to all who believe.

C.      Born under the law.  Jesus was born in the Old Testament and when he came, he fulfilled the law, was the seed of Abraham and the fulfillment of the promise given to Abraham.  Jesus through His death, burial, resurrection, broken body, and shed blood establish a new agreement where salvation was universal.

 

2.      In Vs 5, Paul says Christ came to redeem us from the law.  We were bought back from the demands of the law which was death.  He paid a debt he did not owe I owe a debt I could not pay.  His substitutionary sacrifice redeemed us.  Through him a way was paved for eternal and abundant life.  The results were that we were adopted into the family of God.  We are now sons and daughters.  We have the inheritance, rights, privileges, and benefits of being in His family.  We have seven benefits of being a Son or daughter of God.

 

A.      Security, authority, intimacy, and assurance.

B.     Inheritance, discipline, and family likeness.

 

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.

 

3.      n Vs 6, Paul continues with the concept of sonship.  We are son and daughters with all the privileges and blessings of inheritance.  Paul just re-emphasizes what he revealed in the last chapter. 

 

a.      So, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts.  Jesus has said in the upper room discourse that He was going away but He would not leave us alone.  He was sending the Holy Spirit to be our comforter, guide, regenerator, help, resurrector and so much more.  He would come and reside in our hearts.  The place where our throne was.  Who rules our heart rules us.  This simply means the Holy Spirit is supposed to be in control of our will, intellect, and emotion.  Talk Rev Baldao and Love is the Flag flown in the castle of my heart.

b.      The Spirit who calls out Abba Father.  We can call out through the Spirit.  Hey dad, heavenly Father, or our Father.  You are a son and daughter of God, and you can address Him as Father.  This of course is attacked by feminists, but it does not lessen this relationship unless you allow it to happen.

 

4.      In Vs 7, Paul states a beautiful concept.  You are no longer a slave, in bondage or a prisoner.  You are free and all the privileges it has.  The world, the flesh and devil are no longer your master.  You have everything people want.  You have grace, mercy, love, faith, hope and peace.  You are a victor, overcomer, conqueror, and warrior.  Talk about the last words of Braveheart. 

 

a.       You are God’s child and because you are His child.  Let that sink in for just a moment.  You belong to God.  You are under His tutelage and protection.  You have His armor, gifts, fruits, power, authority, anointing and promises.

b.      As His child you have His inheritance.  All has been given to Jesus Christ and in turn it has been to us.  You are somebody.  That is why the devil fears you, the world hates you and the flesh is conquered by you.  All this and more because of Jesus Christ.  That is why Paul was so concerned for them and us.  Let us never trade our freedom for anything.  Right now, the Ukrainians are fighting for their freedom.  Every able body man is fighting, and many will not survive.  Why are they doing it because they have tasted freedom and they do not want bondage and the only way to keep it is to fight for it.  Fight for your freedom.