Galatians 4

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1. 1Here's what I mean: as long as an heir is still a child, he's no different from a slave — even though he technically owns everything.
2. 2He's under the control of guardians and managers until the date his father has set.
3. 3In the same way, when we were children, we were in bondage to the basic principles of the world.
4. 4But when the right time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5. 5to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6. 6And because you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"
7. 7So you are no longer a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
8. 8However, back then, when you did not know God, you rendered service to those who by nature are not gods.
9. 9But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how can you turn back to the weak and beggarly elements? Do you really want to be enslaved by them all over again?
10. 10You're observing special days, months, seasons, and years.
11. 11I am afraid for you that I may have worked for you for nothing.
12. 12Brothers and sisters, I'm begging you — become like me, because I became like you. You never did me any wrong.
13. 13You know it was because of a physical illness that I first preached the gospel to you.
14. 14And my temptation, which was in my flesh, you did not despise or reject; but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15. 15What happened to the blessedness you spoke of? I can honestly say that back then, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me if you could have.
16. 16So have I become your enemy just because I tell you the truth?
17. 17They are eager to influence you, but not in a good way; they want to exclude you so that you might influence them.
18. 18But it is good to be zealous always about a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
19. 19My dear children, I am in the pains of childbirth for you again until Christ is formed in you.
20. 20I wish I could be there with you right now and change my tone, because honestly, I don't know what to make of you.
21. 21Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not hear the law?
22. 22Scripture says that Abraham had two sons: one by a slave woman and one by a free woman.
23. 23The slave woman's son was born through ordinary human means, but the free woman's son was born because of God's promise.
24. 24These things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; one is from Mount Sinai, which leads to bondage, and that is Hagar.
25. 25Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, which is in bondage with her children.
26. 26But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.
27. 27For it is written: "Rejoice, you barren woman who bears no children; break forth and cry out, you who have no labor pains: for the desolate woman has many more children than she who has a husband."
28. 28Now you, brothers and sisters, are children of promise — just like Isaac was.
29. 29But just as the son born by ordinary means persecuted the son born by the Spirit back then, the same thing is happening now.
30. 30But what does the Scripture say? 'Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will not share the inheritance with the free woman's son.'
31. 31So then, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman. We are children of the free woman.