(a) How did Paul convince the Galatians that Christians are children of God? (b) Indicate two ways Christians should manifest themselves as children of God.

Answer Details

(a) How Paul convinced the Galatians that Christians are children of God (Galatians 3:23-4:7)

• Paul taught that before faith came, people were held captive under the law, which acted as a custodian or schoolmaster until Christ came.
• Now that faith has come, we are no longer under that custodian, for in Christ Jesus we are all children of God through faith.
• All who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ, so that there is no longer Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ.
• Since believers belong to Christ, they are Abraham's offspring and heirs according to the promise.
• Paul used the image of adoption: formerly the heir, while a child, was no different from a slave, but God sent forth His Son, born under the law, to redeem those under the law so that we might receive adoption as sons.
• As proof of sonship, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying "Abba! Father!"
• Therefore each believer is no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

(b) Two ways Christians should manifest themselves as children of God

• By living holy and obedient lives that reflect their Father, bearing the fruit of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace and self-control.
• By showing genuine love and unity toward one another, treating all believers as brothers and sisters regardless of race, status or gender.