Living Water #625

LIVING WATER – EPISODE 625 || 19TH FEBRUARY, 2026

By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

FROM SLAVERY TO SONSHIP

Scripture Reading: Galatians 4:3–5

“So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. 4But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”

The apostle Paul writes these words to believers who were confused about their identity. They had tasted grace; but were being tempted to return to law, fear, and religious performance. Paul reminds them of three powerful truths:

a. Who we were – Slaves;

b. What God did – Sent His Son;

c. Who we are now – Adopted children

This passage is not just theology; it is transformation.

1. We Were Slaves Under the Elemental Forces: Paul the Apostle reminds us that before Christ, we were spiritually underage; like heirs who had a promise but no freedom; living in bondage under the “elemental spiritual forces of the world.” Whether under the Law given in the Torah or enslaved by pagan systems and sinful desires, humanity was trapped in a cycle of performance, fear, and condemnation. Slavery to the law meant constantly striving yet never arriving, obeying yet never feeling secure, trying to earn what could never be earned. Without Christ, religion becomes a taskmaster, sin becomes a chain, and fear becomes a daily companion. Apart from grace, we were not living as free children in the Father’s house; we were bound servants longing for deliverance.

2. When the Fullness of Time Had Come, God Sent His Son: At the exact moment appointed by divine wisdom, God intervened in human history. This was not humanity climbing up to God, but God reaching down to us. In the fullness of time, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, born of a woman and born under the law. Jesus entered fully into our human condition; experiencing weakness, temptation, and limitation; yet without sin. He placed Himself under the very law that condemned us and fulfilled it perfectly. Where we failed, He obeyed; where we were guilty, He stood righteous. God’s timing and provision reveal His sovereign love: redemption was not accidental or reactionary; it was intentional and perfectly planned before the foundation of the world.

3. The Purpose: To Redeem: The purpose of Christ’s coming was redemption—to buy us back and set us free by paying a price. Redemption is never cheap; freedom always costs something. The price was not silver or gold but the very life of the Son. Through His death and resurrection, the chains of sin, guilt, and condemnation were broken. The cross was not an accident of history or a tragic mistake; it was a divine rescue mission. Jesus willingly stepped into our place, absorbing the penalty we deserved so that we could receive the freedom we could never earn. At Calvary, justice was satisfied, mercy was extended, and our slavery came to an end.

4. The Result: Adoption to Sonship: Redemption was not the end goal; it was the doorway into family. God did not simply free us and leave us to stand alone; He adopted us as sons and daughters. In the Roman world, adoption granted full legal status, inheritance rights, and permanent belonging, and Paul uses this image to show the depth of our new identity. Because of Christ, we are no longer spiritual orphans striving for acceptance but beloved children secured by grace. We do not live for approval; we live from approval. We do not serve out of fear; we obey out of love. The gospel transforms our status from bondage to belonging, from fear to intimacy, and from slavery to sonship.

Call to Action: Today, the question is simple: Are you living like a slave or like a son? Christ has paid the price, but many still live in chains of guilt, shame, and performance. Lay down the burden of striving. Stop trying to earn what has already been given. Receive the finished work of Christ. Embrace your identity as a child of God. And if you already belong to Him, then walk confidently in your inheritance; pray boldly, love freely, forgive generously, and live securely in the Father’s love.

We were slaves, bound and helpless. God sent His Son at the perfect time. Christ redeemed us at a great cost. And now we are adopted into the family of God. This is not merely a change of status; it is a change of identity. The chains are gone. The door is open. The Father calls you His own. Live in that freedom.

Prayer Heavenly Father, We thank You that when we were slaves, You did not abandon us. In the fullness of time, You sent Your Son to redeem us and bring us into Your family. Forgive us for the times we have lived like slaves; striving, fearing, and doubting Your love. Teach us to live as sons and daughters, secure in Your grace and confident in Your promises. Help us to walk in the freedom Christ purchased for us and to reflect Your love to the world.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.