This sermon explores the profound theological truths embedded in Galatians 4:4-5, examining why God sent His Son into the world. The message centers on the core statement that "God sent His Son to redeem those who were under the law," unpacking four essential reminders about Christ's coming. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' birth was not accidental but perfectly timed in God's sovereign plan, that He came as truly human while remaining truly God, that He fulfilled the law through righteous obedience, and that through Him believers receive adoption as sons and daughters of God. Pastor Joe Fant challenges the congregation to understand that salvation is not merely about being declared righteous (justification) but also about being brought into God's family (adoption), giving believers a personal relationship with God as "Abba, Father." The message concludes by affirming that Christians possess an "alien righteousness"—the righteousness of Christ Himself—rather than any self-generated goodness.
Key Points:
- Jesus came at the right moment—when the fullness of time had come, perfectly orchestrated politically (Roman peace and roads), theologically (all Old Testament prophecies and types complete), and historically (unified language and transportation systems)
- Jesus came in real humanity—truly born of a woman, experiencing complete human suffering, rejection, pain, and loss, yet without sin through the power of the Holy Spirit
- Jesus came in righteous obedience—born under the law to fulfill it perfectly, doing what no human could do, keeping every requirement of God's law
- Jesus offers received adoption—believers are adopted as sons (both men and women receive full inheritance), brought from the courtroom of justification to the living room of God's family
- The law was given to show humanity's inability to save themselves, pointing them to their need for Christ
- God's timing is always perfect—He is never early and never late in His providential plan
- Christians have a real man in heaven (Jesus) interceding for them who understands their human experience
- Believers possess the righteousness of Christ, not their own self-righteousness
Scripture Reference:
- Galatians 3:23—4:7 (primary focus on Galatians 4:4-5)
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- Psalm 51:5
- Romans 3:10-12
- Ecclesiastes 7:20
- Luke 1:34-35
- Galatians 3:21-22
- Hebrews 2:11
- Hebrews 4:15-16
- Deuteronomy 21:23
