Ronald Penny's video: Sunday School in 7minutes Freedom as an Heir Galatians 3:19 4:7 ISSL: October 29

International Sunday School Lesson - Sunday School in 7minutes The book of Galatians was penned by the Apostle Paul to the churches in the region of Galatia, in modern-day Turkey. The central issue in Galatians was the conflict between faith in Christ and adherence to the Mosaic Law, particularly for Gentile believers. This conflict was fueled by Judaizers, who argued that Gentile Christians must obey the Jewish Law to be Christian including rituals like circumcision Explaining the Verses: Verses 23-25 emphasize the distinction between life under the Law and life under faith in Christ. While the Jews were once kept in custody under the Law (v. 23), they are no longer under the Law as a tutor (v. 25). The Law which the Judaizers sought to exalt, Paul said was abolished. It had performed its function prior to the coming of Christ. The Law’s task of restraining men until Christ and leading them to Christ has been accomplished. Therefore, the observance of the Law, as previously required of Old Testament saints, is now only an anachronism, no longer binding on the New Testament believer Paul goes on to discuss the diversity and inclusion of Christianity. Faith in Christ makes all believers, Jewish and Gentile, sons of God and unites different people through baptism in Christ. The Law that once distinguished Jews from Gentiles, is no longer binding for anyone - Our faith, which is within our hearts, unites all. In Christ, all human distinctions based on ethnicity, gender, or social status are abolished. In God's eyes, all believers are equal. Although there are still distinctions in society, these distinctions do not determine one's worth to God or spiritual significance. In Roman law, heirs were under the control of tutors until a certain age. Tutors are what we now call guardians. They were appointed to manage both the child and their assets. The heir legally owned the inheritance but could not fully enjoy it until they reached the predetermined age. Paul makes an analogy that extends to the status of the Jews under the Law. Just as the Roman heir's time of actual possession was set, the Law's tutelage was set to end when God sent His Son. Paul emphasizes the ministry of the Holy Spirit as evidence of sonship. The presence of the Holy Spirit enables believers to relate to God as Father guiding us to a deeper relationship with God This ministry was not available under the Old Testament Law. As sons and daughters of God, we are no longer slaves to the law but heirs of God’s promise growing from our faith. We share in the promises made to Abraham, receiving the inheritance by grace through faith. Modern Application: Paul's message is still relevant today. It reminds us that our worth and acceptance in God's eyes are not based on our external circumstances or birth demographics but on our faith in Christ. We should embrace the freedom we have in Christ and not seek to earn our worth or equality through worldly means. Though we are not a slave to the Law, our faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, should guide us in our daily walk. In a world that is growing more and more divided, this lesson must encourage us to focus on our spiritual identity and unity in Christ rather than getting caught up in societal distinctions. As modern Christians, we are called to live out our faith confidently, knowing that our standing before God is secure, and we are heirs according to the promise given to Abraham.