Sufficient Self's Bible Study Group

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[BarredBuff]

Scripture Reading For 12/26/10
Galatians Chapter 4

 

[Wannabefree]

The word heir in Greek is kleronomos, simply meaning inheritor, benefactor. A little cultural difference than our heirs, we simply choose an heir, but in the biblical times there were rules for who could be an heir, who had "rights" to their fathers properties. A firstborn son was of great importance. Daughters got "marriage portion" and firstborn sons got a double portion, while all successive sons got equal shares of the rest provided none of them married outside of their own tribe, in which case their inheritance was forfeited. I find this interesting also, the sons had to be of legitimate wives, sons of concubines weren't elligible for inheritance. I believe that is why Ishmael, did not recieve the inheritance that Isaac did. Hagar was a maidservant, which would have been the equivalent of a concubine. She and Abraham were not formally married as Sarah was his true wife making Isaac the true inheritor and for all intents and purposes, the true firstborn son, the child of promise.

A man could control to some extent who would recieve the larger portion inheritance as well. The inheritance was to be given upon the death of the father, however, the father may give a one time payment while living to a son in lieu of the inheritance, and the double portion would go to the next son in line. Brothers could also bargain amongst each other as Esau did with Jacob to "sell" their "birthright" as firstborn to a younger brother.

So when reading this chapter, keep these things in mind. It brings whole new meaning to some of the statements, and explanations of who heirs are, and how a firstborn by our culture is differs from firstborn of past cultures.

I also think it shows the significance as to why God's Son had to be "born of a woman, born under the law" for us who are also "born of a woman, born under the law" to become joint heirs with Him who is the firstborn.

In verses 6&7 And because you are sons, God sends forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts crying out "Father."
Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

I won't go into detail of explanations of each verse, but with the definition and cultural background information for a true heir, to me at least, it clarifies this entire Chapter. I do read it to mean spiritual heirs as we are to be of the spirit and not of the flesh. Other than that, I think the understanding of that one simple word does wonders for the way the rest of this chapter should be interpreted and applied to our lives.

 

[Denim Deb]

To go along w/what Wannabe said, the first born also had obligations that the rest of the children didn't have. Upon the father's death, he became the head of the family. And as such, was responsible not only for the physical well being of the rest of the family, but also spiritually.

 

[Wannabefree]

To go along w/what Wannabe said, the first born also had obligations that the rest of the children didn't have. Upon the father's death, he became the head of the family. And as such, was responsible not only for the physical well being of the rest of the family, but also spiritually.

To add to that, and financially...to unwed sisters and his mother until death. I love the culture of that time and people group!!

 

[Denim Deb]

To go along w/what Wannabe said, the first born also had obligations that the rest of the children didn't have. Upon the father's death, he became the head of the family. And as such, was responsible not only for the physical well being of the rest of the family, but also spiritually.

To add to that, and financially...to unwed sisters and his mother until death. I love the culture of that time and people group!!

Which is why Jesus told John to care for His mother.

 

[BarredBuff]

Well I meant to post on here two hours ago but I got caught up in other things. I have noticed with this book we refer back to Genesis a lot. And Wannabe Paul is a favorite apostle of mine!

And that's the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world.

For some reason this one stuck out to me, Im not real sure why though.

My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!

This verse speaks to me on the growth of our faith on how we start as mere seed then sprout then we grow then grow some more and then we bear fruit, if we follow Jesus. Does that make sense?

 

[Wannabefree]

Well I meant to post on here two hours ago but I got caught up in other things. I have noticed with this book we refer back to Genesis a lot. And Wannabe Paul is a favorite apostle of mine!

And that's the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world.

For some reason this one stuck out to me, Im not real sure why though.

My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!

This verse speaks to me on the growth of our faith on how we start as mere seed then sprout then we grow then grow some more and then we bear fruit, if we follow Jesus. Does that make sense?

As usual, makes perfect sense Mr. James!

 

[BarredBuff]

Well Thank Ya Very Much Mrs Cindi.