Galatians 4:1-15 ▼

1 Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner of everything.

2 Instead, he is under guardians and trustees until the time set by his father.

3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elements of the world.

4 When the time came to completion, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

5 to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father! ”

7 So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then God has made you an heir.

8 But in the past, since you didn’t know God, you were enslaved to things that by nature are not gods.

9 But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elements? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?

10 You are observing special days, months, seasons, and years.

11 I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.

12 I beg you, brothers and sisters: Become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have not wronged me;

13 you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a weakness of the flesh.

14 You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you. On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus himself.

15 Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.