WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.320 In many ways that is the theme of Christmas. In many ways that is the theme of this section in Galatians 4 that those who are outside the family have been brought into the family. 00:00:12.320 --> 00:00:21.120 Galatians has told us about remarkable privileges that are ours if we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:00:21.780 --> 00:00:26.259 That if we are in Christ we have been justified. It's a big word isn't it? 00:00:26.759 --> 00:00:38.420 We have been declared right with God and we have been forgiven, acquitted of all our sins and we've been given the perfect, spotless, beautiful life of Jesus Christ. 00:00:38.420 --> 00:00:46.120 We are justified. Then we're told we have new life by God's grace. 00:00:47.160 --> 00:00:52.960 If you're a Christian you are a new creature. If you are united to Christ you've been given new life. 00:00:53.980 --> 00:00:57.939 If you are a Christian, if you are united to Christ you've been given the Holy Spirit. 00:00:58.719 --> 00:01:03.420 The Holy Spirit lives within you and dwells within you. He's always with you. 00:01:03.420 --> 00:01:07.980 If you are in Christ you've been made free. 00:01:09.079 --> 00:01:11.359 You are no longer a slave to sin. 00:01:12.180 --> 00:01:15.840 You're no longer in captivity. You've been freed by Jesus Christ. 00:01:17.320 --> 00:01:21.640 You are no longer under the bondage of the law. 00:01:21.879 --> 00:01:23.780 You've been free from God's law. 00:01:23.960 --> 00:01:25.359 It's quite a list isn't it? 00:01:25.359 --> 00:01:29.319 But the greatest privilege comes this morning. 00:01:31.060 --> 00:01:32.379 The privilege of adoption. 00:01:34.140 --> 00:01:39.359 That when you are united to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith you become a child of God. 00:01:39.459 --> 00:01:40.480 You become a son of God. 00:01:40.980 --> 00:01:42.960 You come into the family of God. 00:01:44.239 --> 00:01:47.760 Now and we need to do a little bit of work before we get to the Christmas passage. 00:01:48.200 --> 00:01:50.359 Can you look with me at verses 23 to 25. 00:01:50.519 --> 00:01:51.640 We looked at it two weeks ago. 00:01:51.640 --> 00:01:55.659 And can you look there who Paul is speaking to. 00:01:56.819 --> 00:02:00.859 The pronoun in verses 23 to 25 is we. 00:02:02.079 --> 00:02:04.400 He's including himself as a Jewish man. 00:02:05.680 --> 00:02:06.840 He's part of that. 00:02:08.080 --> 00:02:10.300 He says we speaking to his fellow Jews. 00:02:10.439 --> 00:02:11.420 Because he was a Jew. 00:02:11.500 --> 00:02:14.259 But notice in verse 26 the pronoun changes. 00:02:15.520 --> 00:02:16.759 It is you. 00:02:16.920 --> 00:02:17.680 Verse 26. 00:02:17.680 --> 00:02:20.219 If you forget everything else I say this morning. 00:02:20.599 --> 00:02:21.840 Remember verse 26. 00:02:22.900 --> 00:02:24.879 For in Christ Jesus. 00:02:25.680 --> 00:02:29.480 You are all sons of God. 00:02:29.960 --> 00:02:30.939 Through faith. 00:02:33.040 --> 00:02:34.280 And he says you. 00:02:34.400 --> 00:02:37.120 Because he wants his largely non-Jewish. 00:02:37.360 --> 00:02:38.700 His Gentile audience. 00:02:39.040 --> 00:02:40.219 To know where they fit in. 00:02:41.400 --> 00:02:44.439 He says you who are not part of the ancient people of God. 00:02:44.439 --> 00:02:46.300 Because you put your faith in Christ. 00:02:46.379 --> 00:02:47.800 Because you've come to Christ. 00:02:48.060 --> 00:02:50.139 And you've received the sign of baptism. 00:02:50.620 --> 00:02:52.639 You have become sons of God. 00:02:54.199 --> 00:02:55.300 This blessing. 00:02:56.159 --> 00:02:57.000 Is yours. 00:02:58.259 --> 00:03:00.240 Just as much as it is the Jews. 00:03:01.020 --> 00:03:03.520 And that is because in Jesus Christ. 00:03:03.520 --> 00:03:08.919 The distinction between Jew and Gentile matters very little. 00:03:09.280 --> 00:03:10.180 Look at verse 28. 00:03:10.180 --> 00:03:17.780 There is neither Jew nor Greek. 00:03:18.560 --> 00:03:20.060 There is neither slave nor free. 00:03:21.120 --> 00:03:22.780 There is no male and female. 00:03:23.340 --> 00:03:26.000 For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 00:03:27.180 --> 00:03:30.500 Now that verse I think gets misused an awful lot. 00:03:31.819 --> 00:03:33.360 I get it quoted to me quite often. 00:03:34.879 --> 00:03:36.500 But Paul is not saying. 00:03:37.120 --> 00:03:38.319 In Jesus Christ's church. 00:03:38.319 --> 00:03:40.680 All those distinctions are just obliterated. 00:03:41.079 --> 00:03:41.859 He's not saying that. 00:03:43.139 --> 00:03:45.039 He doesn't think that once you become a Christian. 00:03:45.159 --> 00:03:46.139 You cease to be a slave. 00:03:47.159 --> 00:03:48.500 Or you cease to be a man. 00:03:48.579 --> 00:03:49.359 Or you cease to be a woman. 00:03:50.219 --> 00:03:53.500 Or you cease to have your own racial background. 00:03:54.719 --> 00:03:55.780 That you've always had. 00:03:56.840 --> 00:03:58.620 In other parts of Paul's writing. 00:03:58.759 --> 00:04:01.459 Paul specifically addresses those groups of people. 00:04:01.799 --> 00:04:03.680 And he gives them particular instructions. 00:04:05.379 --> 00:04:07.039 In their particular circumstances. 00:04:07.039 --> 00:04:10.060 So he's not saying that those distinctions don't matter at all. 00:04:11.259 --> 00:04:13.900 But the point he's making is this wonderful point. 00:04:14.120 --> 00:04:16.699 That when it comes to being part of God's family. 00:04:17.219 --> 00:04:19.259 God makes no distinction. 00:04:21.180 --> 00:04:23.300 You can be a child of God. 00:04:24.899 --> 00:04:26.199 Irrespective of your sex. 00:04:27.639 --> 00:04:28.959 Irrespective of your race. 00:04:28.959 --> 00:04:31.599 Irrespective of your occupation. 00:04:32.180 --> 00:04:34.219 In Christ all are equal. 00:04:35.379 --> 00:04:36.339 Equally included. 00:04:36.699 --> 00:04:37.459 Equally blessed. 00:04:38.620 --> 00:04:39.659 Equal in hope. 00:04:41.259 --> 00:04:42.879 Verse 9 he presses this. 00:04:44.019 --> 00:04:45.459 Verse 29 he says. 00:04:45.819 --> 00:04:47.379 And if you are Christ. 00:04:48.240 --> 00:04:50.099 Then you are Abraham's offspring. 00:04:51.060 --> 00:04:51.579 As. 00:04:52.419 --> 00:04:53.479 According to the promise. 00:04:53.639 --> 00:04:55.319 That is an astonishing thing to say. 00:04:55.319 --> 00:04:57.740 To a non-Jewish audience. 00:04:57.860 --> 00:04:58.560 To a Gentile. 00:05:00.279 --> 00:05:00.800 You. 00:05:01.459 --> 00:05:02.620 Are Abraham's seed. 00:05:03.579 --> 00:05:06.819 The promises made to the patriarch Abraham. 00:05:07.939 --> 00:05:09.019 They are for you. 00:05:10.699 --> 00:05:12.800 You are part of the family of Abraham. 00:05:12.800 --> 00:05:15.800 Father Abraham. 00:05:16.680 --> 00:05:17.639 Had many sons. 00:05:18.360 --> 00:05:20.120 And many sons had Father Abraham. 00:05:20.759 --> 00:05:21.600 And I am one of them. 00:05:21.960 --> 00:05:22.639 And so are you. 00:05:23.020 --> 00:05:24.280 So let's all praise the Lord. 00:05:24.620 --> 00:05:24.900 Amen. 00:05:24.900 --> 00:05:25.020 Amen. 00:05:28.180 --> 00:05:30.139 And so if you are. 00:05:30.759 --> 00:05:32.660 You don't know anything about Israel. 00:05:32.920 --> 00:05:34.900 You don't know anything about the patriarchs. 00:05:35.960 --> 00:05:37.780 You don't know anything about the Old Testament. 00:05:38.100 --> 00:05:40.280 But you have put your faith in Jesus Christ. 00:05:40.279 --> 00:05:42.099 You are as much part of the people of God. 00:05:42.159 --> 00:05:42.859 As Abraham was. 00:05:44.179 --> 00:05:45.879 The inheritance of the Jewish nation. 00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:47.039 Is now your inheritance. 00:05:48.579 --> 00:05:50.399 And so at the start of chapter 4. 00:05:50.619 --> 00:05:51.759 Paul takes a step back. 00:05:51.899 --> 00:05:53.179 And notice verses 1 to 5. 00:05:53.239 --> 00:05:54.259 The pronouns change again. 00:05:55.659 --> 00:05:56.439 They go back to we. 00:05:56.559 --> 00:05:58.319 He's got the Jewish Christians in mind. 00:05:59.419 --> 00:06:00.759 And he uses an illustration. 00:06:02.319 --> 00:06:03.879 He says imagine there's a large house. 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:04.959 There's a master of the house. 00:06:05.479 --> 00:06:07.159 And the master of the house has got a son. 00:06:07.160 --> 00:06:10.480 And the master has got a slave. 00:06:11.480 --> 00:06:13.140 And then he's also got a guardian. 00:06:13.260 --> 00:06:13.939 There's four people. 00:06:14.460 --> 00:06:15.340 There's the master. 00:06:15.860 --> 00:06:16.680 There's the son. 00:06:17.060 --> 00:06:17.939 There's the slave. 00:06:18.300 --> 00:06:19.540 And then there's the guardian. 00:06:19.540 --> 00:06:21.340 Who looks after the son. 00:06:22.280 --> 00:06:23.600 Who's to direct the son. 00:06:23.660 --> 00:06:24.420 And discipline the son. 00:06:25.680 --> 00:06:28.600 The guardian is in a different category from the slave. 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:29.860 The son. 00:06:30.680 --> 00:06:33.280 Well one day he's going to inherit the whole lot. 00:06:33.279 --> 00:06:35.519 The slave. 00:06:35.739 --> 00:06:36.479 He inherits nothing. 00:06:37.859 --> 00:06:38.659 And yet he says. 00:06:38.759 --> 00:06:40.119 While the son is still a child. 00:06:41.059 --> 00:06:44.019 He's placed under the watchful eye of this guardian. 00:06:45.059 --> 00:06:45.779 This trustee. 00:06:46.959 --> 00:06:49.579 And when it comes to the day to day life of this child. 00:06:50.359 --> 00:06:52.439 There's actually very little difference. 00:06:52.579 --> 00:06:54.199 Between the son and the slave. 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:54.919 While he's little. 00:06:55.919 --> 00:06:57.819 Both are told to do. 00:06:58.199 --> 00:06:59.539 What to do by someone else. 00:06:59.540 --> 00:07:02.100 Both will be disciplined. 00:07:02.100 --> 00:07:03.379 If they don't comply. 00:07:04.740 --> 00:07:06.300 Neither are free. 00:07:06.560 --> 00:07:07.800 To give orders. 00:07:08.540 --> 00:07:09.560 Neither are free. 00:07:09.660 --> 00:07:10.740 Neither the son is free. 00:07:11.120 --> 00:07:12.200 Neither is the slave free. 00:07:12.260 --> 00:07:13.020 To do what they like. 00:07:14.100 --> 00:07:15.720 And I think the point of the illustration is this. 00:07:15.980 --> 00:07:16.540 It is to say. 00:07:16.620 --> 00:07:18.320 Before Jesus Christ came. 00:07:18.680 --> 00:07:20.340 The Jewish people are under the law. 00:07:21.439 --> 00:07:23.280 It's like they're in their spiritual infancy. 00:07:24.379 --> 00:07:25.620 They stood one day. 00:07:25.680 --> 00:07:27.300 To inherit the whole estate. 00:07:27.620 --> 00:07:28.500 That was the promise. 00:07:28.500 --> 00:07:29.759 But they weren't free. 00:07:31.199 --> 00:07:32.199 They were just like the slaves. 00:07:33.199 --> 00:07:33.779 The law. 00:07:33.939 --> 00:07:34.500 Their guardian. 00:07:34.660 --> 00:07:35.680 It was like a babysitter. 00:07:36.699 --> 00:07:37.399 Like a teacher. 00:07:37.639 --> 00:07:38.500 Like a stern guardian. 00:07:39.259 --> 00:07:40.220 Until Christ came. 00:07:41.579 --> 00:07:43.019 Israel was the heir. 00:07:44.060 --> 00:07:44.660 The son. 00:07:44.759 --> 00:07:45.779 They had the promise. 00:07:46.879 --> 00:07:48.319 But while an infant. 00:07:48.759 --> 00:07:50.420 They were barely different from a slave. 00:07:51.120 --> 00:07:52.360 But now verse 3. 00:07:53.459 --> 00:07:54.199 Christ has come. 00:07:54.199 --> 00:07:56.639 The law. 00:07:56.639 --> 00:07:56.639 00:07:57.300 --> 00:07:59.219 Was preparing the way. 00:08:00.060 --> 00:08:01.199 But now. 00:08:01.439 --> 00:08:02.240 Through the entry. 00:08:02.459 --> 00:08:03.560 Of God's own son. 00:08:03.620 --> 00:08:04.079 Into the world. 00:08:04.180 --> 00:08:04.459 Jesus. 00:08:06.360 --> 00:08:07.439 They have become. 00:08:07.839 --> 00:08:08.599 The son. 00:08:10.360 --> 00:08:10.919 Jesus. 00:08:11.899 --> 00:08:13.019 Was made. 00:08:13.259 --> 00:08:14.159 Like the Jews. 00:08:15.039 --> 00:08:16.300 So that the Jews. 00:08:16.480 --> 00:08:17.379 Would be made like Jesus. 00:08:17.379 --> 00:08:19.819 They become. 00:08:19.819 --> 00:08:21.060 Sons of the father. 00:08:23.139 --> 00:08:24.300 There's something new. 00:08:24.300 --> 00:08:25.060 Going on here. 00:08:26.180 --> 00:08:27.759 There is a new reality. 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:28.560 That is dawning. 00:08:30.519 --> 00:08:31.779 In the old testament. 00:08:31.980 --> 00:08:32.779 When they prayed. 00:08:33.039 --> 00:08:34.240 They didn't pray. 00:08:35.080 --> 00:08:36.439 Our father in heaven. 00:08:37.899 --> 00:08:39.299 This has stretched my mind. 00:08:39.439 --> 00:08:40.320 Over the last couple of days. 00:08:40.820 --> 00:08:42.340 The people of Israel. 00:08:42.580 --> 00:08:43.279 As a whole. 00:08:43.580 --> 00:08:43.980 Corporately. 00:08:43.980 --> 00:08:44.759 They were called. 00:08:44.940 --> 00:08:45.860 The son of God. 00:08:47.259 --> 00:08:48.100 The king. 00:08:48.240 --> 00:08:48.639 In Israel. 00:08:48.800 --> 00:08:49.840 Sometimes was called. 00:08:50.379 --> 00:08:51.700 The son of God. 00:08:53.139 --> 00:08:54.060 In old testament. 00:08:54.200 --> 00:08:54.620 Writings. 00:08:55.000 --> 00:08:55.980 It is made reference. 00:08:56.100 --> 00:08:56.420 Today. 00:08:56.820 --> 00:08:57.519 You have become. 00:08:57.639 --> 00:08:58.200 My son. 00:08:59.580 --> 00:09:00.139 That was true. 00:09:00.220 --> 00:09:00.779 Corporately. 00:09:01.039 --> 00:09:01.980 It was true of the king. 00:09:03.080 --> 00:09:04.200 But individual. 00:09:04.440 --> 00:09:04.879 Israelites. 00:09:05.180 --> 00:09:06.139 Would not have thought. 00:09:06.800 --> 00:09:07.460 Of God. 00:09:07.519 --> 00:09:08.159 As their father. 00:09:10.620 --> 00:09:12.300 They would not have thought. 00:09:12.300 --> 00:09:13.420 Of fellow. 00:09:13.419 --> 00:09:13.939 Israelites. 00:09:14.319 --> 00:09:15.219 As their brothers. 00:09:15.339 --> 00:09:15.819 And sisters. 00:09:18.079 --> 00:09:19.240 This is new. 00:09:21.339 --> 00:09:22.639 This is not how. 00:09:22.959 --> 00:09:23.639 It has been. 00:09:26.319 --> 00:09:26.839 Infancy. 00:09:27.079 --> 00:09:27.639 And adult. 00:09:27.959 --> 00:09:28.399 Slavery. 00:09:28.699 --> 00:09:29.360 And sonship. 00:09:30.620 --> 00:09:31.519 But now. 00:09:31.639 --> 00:09:32.539 They can cry. 00:09:33.059 --> 00:09:33.399 Abba. 00:09:33.479 --> 00:09:33.759 Father. 00:09:33.839 --> 00:09:34.519 They can say. 00:09:34.639 --> 00:09:35.500 Our father in heaven. 00:09:35.639 --> 00:09:36.559 How has this happened? 00:09:38.019 --> 00:09:38.459 Well. 00:09:38.519 --> 00:09:39.099 Happy Christmas. 00:09:39.299 --> 00:09:39.860 Verse 4. 00:09:39.860 --> 00:09:42.500 It's happened. 00:09:42.659 --> 00:09:43.019 Because. 00:09:43.259 --> 00:09:44.220 When the fullness of time. 00:09:44.720 --> 00:09:45.379 Had come. 00:09:45.480 --> 00:09:46.460 God sent forth his son. 00:09:46.560 --> 00:09:47.120 Born of a woman. 00:09:47.259 --> 00:09:48.080 Born under the law. 00:09:49.960 --> 00:09:50.360 Because. 00:09:50.480 --> 00:09:51.180 At a certain point. 00:09:51.180 --> 00:09:51.560 In history. 00:09:51.560 --> 00:09:53.120 In the fullness of time. 00:09:53.899 --> 00:09:55.000 A baby was born. 00:09:56.139 --> 00:09:56.800 Verse 4. 00:09:56.899 --> 00:09:57.600 When the time. 00:09:57.740 --> 00:09:58.519 Had fully come. 00:09:58.600 --> 00:09:59.379 God sent his. 00:09:59.779 --> 00:10:00.000 Son. 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:02.620 Look at the time. 00:10:02.620 --> 00:10:03.120 Of his birth. 00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:05.559 Literally. 00:10:05.840 --> 00:10:06.399 When the time. 00:10:06.480 --> 00:10:07.120 Had reached its fullness. 00:10:07.120 --> 00:10:09.779 It's the word you use. 00:10:10.060 --> 00:10:11.240 For filling up a bottle. 00:10:11.899 --> 00:10:14.039 So the bottle gets to its capacity. 00:10:15.120 --> 00:10:16.820 And nothing more can go into the bottle. 00:10:17.720 --> 00:10:18.179 It's like. 00:10:18.399 --> 00:10:19.860 Are you getting to lift at the hospital. 00:10:20.360 --> 00:10:20.919 And it says. 00:10:21.019 --> 00:10:22.940 The maximum number allowed in this lift. 00:10:23.039 --> 00:10:24.159 Is 25. 00:10:24.840 --> 00:10:25.720 You look at the lift. 00:10:26.240 --> 00:10:27.600 There's room for not four people in it. 00:10:28.779 --> 00:10:29.500 That's the word. 00:10:29.600 --> 00:10:30.440 In the fullness of time. 00:10:30.639 --> 00:10:32.320 There's nothing more that can be added. 00:10:32.680 --> 00:10:33.879 It's the perfect content. 00:10:35.139 --> 00:10:35.720 And Paul is saying. 00:10:35.720 --> 00:10:38.060 When God had put everything into history. 00:10:38.960 --> 00:10:40.019 Up to this point. 00:10:40.200 --> 00:10:41.639 To prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ. 00:10:42.320 --> 00:10:43.860 When the times had reached their fullness. 00:10:45.300 --> 00:10:46.620 When God has done everything. 00:10:46.800 --> 00:10:47.680 And has left nothing out. 00:10:48.139 --> 00:10:49.279 And left nothing undone. 00:10:49.399 --> 00:10:50.960 In the preparation for the coming of Christ. 00:10:52.759 --> 00:10:53.379 And you see that. 00:10:53.440 --> 00:10:53.700 Don't you? 00:10:54.440 --> 00:10:56.460 In all the various pieces of the jigsaw. 00:10:56.540 --> 00:10:57.580 In the infancy narratives. 00:10:57.680 --> 00:10:58.740 That we'll read tonight. 00:10:59.080 --> 00:11:00.460 God set it up perfectly. 00:11:02.160 --> 00:11:03.480 If you look at the time. 00:11:03.600 --> 00:11:04.540 When Jesus was born. 00:11:04.539 --> 00:11:07.579 At both the Roman and the Greek civilizations. 00:11:08.199 --> 00:11:09.419 In which people have lived. 00:11:09.740 --> 00:11:11.579 They contributed to that time. 00:11:13.159 --> 00:11:14.899 Rome geographically and politically. 00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:16.039 Had made the world one. 00:11:17.539 --> 00:11:19.740 All roads lead to Rome. 00:11:20.819 --> 00:11:23.019 It had produced a highway. 00:11:23.019 --> 00:11:24.659 For the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:11:24.740 --> 00:11:25.299 To go out. 00:11:25.500 --> 00:11:26.740 All over the ancient world. 00:11:27.039 --> 00:11:27.740 The Greek language. 00:11:27.740 --> 00:11:29.579 Was the common means of communication. 00:11:29.580 --> 00:11:31.360 At just the right time. 00:11:35.240 --> 00:11:36.240 Greek culture. 00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:36.920 And religion. 00:11:37.879 --> 00:11:38.600 Roman religion. 00:11:38.820 --> 00:11:39.440 Was in a. 00:11:40.420 --> 00:11:41.740 Terminal decline. 00:11:42.160 --> 00:11:43.580 And terminal emptiness. 00:11:43.759 --> 00:11:44.560 And vacuousness. 00:11:44.639 --> 00:11:45.879 The people were crying out. 00:11:45.980 --> 00:11:46.920 In a sense of despair. 00:11:48.340 --> 00:11:49.840 And the gospel came. 00:11:49.960 --> 00:11:50.600 Into that. 00:11:52.340 --> 00:11:53.139 Good news. 00:11:53.200 --> 00:11:53.720 Of great joy. 00:11:53.780 --> 00:11:54.540 For all the people. 00:11:54.539 --> 00:11:54.659 Paul. 00:11:57.199 --> 00:11:58.419 But Paul is speaking about something. 00:11:58.519 --> 00:11:59.299 Much deeper than that. 00:12:00.459 --> 00:12:01.179 He's speaking. 00:12:01.579 --> 00:12:02.659 About the sovereign. 00:12:03.019 --> 00:12:04.099 Lord of all history. 00:12:06.439 --> 00:12:07.399 And so the event. 00:12:07.639 --> 00:12:08.139 Events. 00:12:08.299 --> 00:12:09.199 Of which we read. 00:12:09.379 --> 00:12:10.059 In Bethlehem. 00:12:10.120 --> 00:12:11.139 And the surrounding countryside. 00:12:11.480 --> 00:12:12.559 All those events. 00:12:14.159 --> 00:12:15.120 Took place. 00:12:16.799 --> 00:12:17.779 And that moment. 00:12:18.779 --> 00:12:19.719 Time struck. 00:12:19.720 --> 00:12:21.800 God's time. 00:12:21.800 --> 00:12:22.360 Time meant that God. 00:12:22.500 --> 00:12:23.660 Had left nothing undone. 00:12:23.759 --> 00:12:24.320 In all of history. 00:12:26.800 --> 00:12:28.160 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:28.320 --> 00:12:28.960 That he who. 00:12:29.300 --> 00:12:29.660 Came. 00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:30.180 From. 00:12:30.440 --> 00:12:31.340 Before the foundation. 00:12:31.340 --> 00:12:31.860 Of the world. 00:12:31.940 --> 00:12:32.519 Had been preparing. 00:12:32.660 --> 00:12:33.139 For this moment. 00:12:34.779 --> 00:12:35.840 That God had planned. 00:12:35.980 --> 00:12:36.600 And purposed. 00:12:36.720 --> 00:12:37.700 From all eternity. 00:12:37.860 --> 00:12:38.680 For the coming of his son. 00:12:40.660 --> 00:12:41.420 He'd been working. 00:12:41.480 --> 00:12:42.660 Amongst his ancient people. 00:12:42.820 --> 00:12:43.560 And preparing them. 00:12:43.639 --> 00:12:44.399 And discipling them. 00:12:44.620 --> 00:12:45.240 And patiently. 00:12:45.399 --> 00:12:45.920 Dealing with them. 00:12:46.080 --> 00:12:47.500 And in the fullness of days. 00:12:48.340 --> 00:12:49.160 Out of Zion. 00:12:49.159 --> 00:12:49.879 Then there would come. 00:12:50.100 --> 00:12:50.539 Good news. 00:12:50.639 --> 00:12:51.100 That a virgin. 00:12:51.219 --> 00:12:51.659 Would conceive. 00:12:51.759 --> 00:12:52.279 And bear a son. 00:12:54.299 --> 00:12:54.860 And it's this. 00:12:54.939 --> 00:12:56.019 That Paul is referring to. 00:12:56.120 --> 00:12:56.879 When he says. 00:12:57.019 --> 00:12:57.819 In the fullness of time. 00:12:59.379 --> 00:13:00.759 God sent forth. 00:13:00.879 --> 00:13:01.759 His son. 00:13:03.019 --> 00:13:03.539 He's saying. 00:13:03.539 --> 00:13:04.439 That God has left. 00:13:04.819 --> 00:13:06.019 Nothing undone. 00:13:06.740 --> 00:13:07.980 To prepare for this. 00:13:09.120 --> 00:13:09.759 The second thing. 00:13:09.839 --> 00:13:10.079 We see. 00:13:10.240 --> 00:13:11.299 Is the identity. 00:13:11.299 --> 00:13:12.539 Of this baby. 00:13:12.699 --> 00:13:13.259 Who is it. 00:13:13.319 --> 00:13:13.819 That brings us. 00:13:13.899 --> 00:13:14.439 Into the family. 00:13:16.079 --> 00:13:16.519 And. 00:13:16.919 --> 00:13:17.519 The thing. 00:13:17.620 --> 00:13:18.699 That God focuses on. 00:13:18.700 --> 00:13:19.540 Is the identity. 00:13:19.540 --> 00:13:19.580 Is the identity. 00:13:19.580 --> 00:13:20.060 Of the baby. 00:13:20.160 --> 00:13:20.960 Because that's what matters. 00:13:20.960 --> 00:13:21.680 More than anything else. 00:13:21.980 --> 00:13:22.580 So look at. 00:13:22.640 --> 00:13:23.379 Galatians 4. 00:13:23.440 --> 00:13:24.120 Verse 4. 00:13:25.960 --> 00:13:26.900 He gives us. 00:13:27.320 --> 00:13:28.160 Two answers. 00:13:28.680 --> 00:13:29.660 To who the baby is. 00:13:29.720 --> 00:13:30.200 In the manger. 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:32.620 First of all. 00:13:32.660 --> 00:13:33.060 He says. 00:13:34.240 --> 00:13:35.540 He is God's son. 00:13:37.379 --> 00:13:38.480 When the time had fully come. 00:13:38.540 --> 00:13:39.379 God sent his son. 00:13:40.840 --> 00:13:42.000 And he is secondly. 00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:43.000 Mary's child. 00:13:44.480 --> 00:13:45.120 God's son. 00:13:45.259 --> 00:13:45.980 Mary's child. 00:13:45.980 --> 00:13:46.060 God. 00:13:48.300 --> 00:13:49.560 Those two descriptions. 00:13:50.580 --> 00:13:51.560 Those two things. 00:13:51.639 --> 00:13:52.139 Tell you. 00:13:52.279 --> 00:13:53.420 What you most need to know. 00:13:53.560 --> 00:13:54.180 About the baby. 00:13:55.379 --> 00:13:56.240 That he is both. 00:13:56.320 --> 00:13:57.080 Perfectly God. 00:13:57.139 --> 00:13:57.960 And fully man. 00:14:00.039 --> 00:14:01.139 And that is what makes him. 00:14:01.279 --> 00:14:02.100 Perfectly qualified. 00:14:02.100 --> 00:14:03.019 To fulfill his mission. 00:14:06.320 --> 00:14:08.100 God sent his son. 00:14:08.100 --> 00:14:08.180 Man. 00:14:09.580 --> 00:14:11.060 It's the same word we use for apostle. 00:14:13.899 --> 00:14:14.620 Apostle means. 00:14:14.759 --> 00:14:15.220 Sent one. 00:14:15.480 --> 00:14:16.080 God came. 00:14:16.259 --> 00:14:16.940 Christ came. 00:14:17.240 --> 00:14:18.259 As God's apostle. 00:14:20.620 --> 00:14:21.480 Hebrews tells us. 00:14:21.580 --> 00:14:22.379 That he is the apostle. 00:14:22.560 --> 00:14:23.120 And high priest. 00:14:23.159 --> 00:14:23.740 Of our profession. 00:14:25.320 --> 00:14:26.200 He came. 00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:27.040 Sent. 00:14:27.300 --> 00:14:27.920 By God. 00:14:28.060 --> 00:14:28.860 Into the world. 00:14:30.440 --> 00:14:31.300 And an apostle. 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:32.580 Is one who fulfills a mission. 00:14:34.600 --> 00:14:35.639 And what Christ. 00:14:35.960 --> 00:14:36.139 What. 00:14:36.139 --> 00:14:37.639 What enabled Jesus. 00:14:37.840 --> 00:14:38.819 To fulfill his mission. 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:39.960 For which his father sent him. 00:14:40.159 --> 00:14:41.179 It was that he was. 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:42.559 Perfectly God. 00:14:43.659 --> 00:14:44.699 And perfectly man. 00:14:47.340 --> 00:14:48.779 Look how that displays itself. 00:14:48.919 --> 00:14:49.840 It was only. 00:14:50.659 --> 00:14:51.100 God. 00:14:51.159 --> 00:14:51.799 Who could accomplish. 00:14:51.799 --> 00:14:52.480 Our salvation. 00:14:54.419 --> 00:14:55.340 Only God. 00:14:55.439 --> 00:14:56.080 Could accomplish. 00:14:56.960 --> 00:14:57.580 Our salvation. 00:14:57.679 --> 00:14:58.179 That's true isn't it. 00:14:58.240 --> 00:14:59.039 From it's planning. 00:14:59.220 --> 00:14:59.759 In eternity. 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:01.319 To it's. 00:15:01.679 --> 00:15:02.159 Execution. 00:15:02.279 --> 00:15:02.879 On Calvary. 00:15:03.480 --> 00:15:03.899 And it's. 00:15:03.899 --> 00:15:04.500 Consummation. 00:15:04.579 --> 00:15:05.679 At the end of time. 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:08.539 In his coming again. 00:15:08.699 --> 00:15:09.899 From beginning to end. 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:10.199 Only. 00:15:10.259 --> 00:15:11.299 Only God. 00:15:11.419 --> 00:15:11.899 Can accomplish. 00:15:12.019 --> 00:15:12.659 What we need. 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:15.740 Within the. 00:15:16.100 --> 00:15:16.860 General context. 00:15:16.919 --> 00:15:17.360 Of this verse. 00:15:17.679 --> 00:15:18.360 Paul is speaking about. 00:15:18.579 --> 00:15:18.480 The. 00:15:18.860 --> 00:15:20.319 This dreadful disaster. 00:15:20.319 --> 00:15:20.879 That's happened. 00:15:21.179 --> 00:15:21.959 To the Galatians. 00:15:23.179 --> 00:15:23.779 Do you remember. 00:15:23.959 --> 00:15:24.939 They were going back. 00:15:25.039 --> 00:15:25.779 To a place. 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:27.299 They were trying. 00:15:27.340 --> 00:15:27.720 To produce. 00:15:27.819 --> 00:15:28.220 A salvation. 00:15:28.340 --> 00:15:28.799 Of their own. 00:15:30.259 --> 00:15:30.860 They thought. 00:15:30.919 --> 00:15:31.100 It was. 00:15:31.199 --> 00:15:31.579 It was about. 00:15:31.779 --> 00:15:32.340 Law keeping. 00:15:32.340 --> 00:15:35.019 And he is emphasizing. 00:15:35.540 --> 00:15:36.259 To them. 00:15:36.379 --> 00:15:36.879 And to us. 00:15:36.980 --> 00:15:37.500 That it's. 00:15:37.600 --> 00:15:38.320 Only God. 00:15:38.399 --> 00:15:38.860 Can accomplish. 00:15:39.040 --> 00:15:39.399 Salvation. 00:15:42.300 --> 00:15:43.060 And if you think. 00:15:43.139 --> 00:15:43.960 That the Galatian problem. 00:15:44.080 --> 00:15:44.540 Was just. 00:15:44.639 --> 00:15:45.040 A problem. 00:15:45.040 --> 00:15:45.600 For the. 00:15:45.860 --> 00:15:46.560 New Testament. 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:47.080 Times. 00:15:47.519 --> 00:15:48.300 We know. 00:15:48.440 --> 00:15:48.940 That it's not. 00:15:50.740 --> 00:15:51.580 But the common. 00:15:51.700 --> 00:15:52.100 Conception. 00:15:52.100 --> 00:15:52.460 Today. 00:15:52.620 --> 00:15:52.860 Is that. 00:15:53.060 --> 00:15:53.560 We're somehow. 00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:54.320 Acceptable. 00:15:54.320 --> 00:15:54.700 To God. 00:15:54.780 --> 00:15:55.540 Whoever he is. 00:15:55.960 --> 00:15:57.080 By doing our best. 00:15:58.480 --> 00:15:59.639 And if you do your best. 00:15:59.740 --> 00:16:00.519 And you try your hardest. 00:16:00.639 --> 00:16:01.300 God will never keep you. 00:16:01.320 --> 00:16:01.759 Out of glory. 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:04.620 And that is never. 00:16:04.620 --> 00:16:05.679 Far from our hearts. 00:16:07.419 --> 00:16:08.299 Even if we've been. 00:16:08.439 --> 00:16:08.819 Professing. 00:16:08.980 --> 00:16:09.740 As a Christian. 00:16:09.860 --> 00:16:10.620 For years. 00:16:11.319 --> 00:16:12.039 It's deadly. 00:16:13.879 --> 00:16:14.659 Somebody says to you. 00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:16.799 Are you a Christian? 00:16:17.480 --> 00:16:17.700 You say. 00:16:17.720 --> 00:16:18.220 Well I hope so. 00:16:19.779 --> 00:16:20.860 Will you go to heaven. 00:16:21.159 --> 00:16:21.939 When you die. 00:16:23.220 --> 00:16:23.840 Well I'm trying. 00:16:26.120 --> 00:16:27.159 What is a Christian? 00:16:27.500 --> 00:16:28.259 Well somebody who's kind. 00:16:28.360 --> 00:16:29.179 Somebody who does their best. 00:16:29.179 --> 00:16:32.359 What is Paul saying? 00:16:32.419 --> 00:16:32.799 Paul is saying. 00:16:32.919 --> 00:16:33.239 God. 00:16:34.339 --> 00:16:35.419 Sent forth his son. 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:38.839 That is that. 00:16:38.959 --> 00:16:40.259 Only God can save you. 00:16:42.000 --> 00:16:43.519 Only God can deal. 00:16:45.519 --> 00:16:46.799 With the needs of humanity. 00:16:48.399 --> 00:16:49.179 And when he says. 00:16:49.239 --> 00:16:50.559 God sent forth his son. 00:16:52.120 --> 00:16:52.719 It's that. 00:16:53.039 --> 00:16:54.179 God the creator. 00:16:55.459 --> 00:16:56.659 Who made all things. 00:16:56.659 --> 00:16:58.480 Has now become God the redeemer. 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:58.559 God the redeemer. 00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:03.179 He who in the manger lies. 00:17:03.319 --> 00:17:05.319 He who built the starry skies. 00:17:05.599 --> 00:17:06.359 That is who he is. 00:17:08.159 --> 00:17:10.440 The baby in the manger is not someone you can manipulate. 00:17:10.659 --> 00:17:11.779 He is the Lord of glory. 00:17:13.000 --> 00:17:15.279 Who has come down to be the redeemer of his people. 00:17:15.279 --> 00:17:18.779 Born in order to save us. 00:17:19.700 --> 00:17:21.319 To enter into our predicament. 00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:25.180 And in our place he has become one of us. 00:17:25.279 --> 00:17:26.700 He had to represent us. 00:17:28.779 --> 00:17:30.639 He took the place of us. 00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:33.460 He took the place of our judgment. 00:17:34.839 --> 00:17:37.119 And in order to do that he had to become a man. 00:17:37.480 --> 00:17:38.059 Like us. 00:17:38.440 --> 00:17:40.259 And that's why he's called not only the son of God. 00:17:40.319 --> 00:17:41.039 But the son of Mary. 00:17:42.819 --> 00:17:44.299 Fully God and fully man. 00:17:44.299 --> 00:17:46.200 And do you notice. 00:17:46.299 --> 00:17:48.419 He's not just a man. 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:49.220 He's a perfect man. 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:50.000 Notice what Paul says. 00:17:50.059 --> 00:17:51.019 When the time had fully come. 00:17:51.980 --> 00:17:52.879 God sent forth his son. 00:17:52.960 --> 00:17:53.480 Born of a woman. 00:17:53.639 --> 00:17:54.759 Born under the law. 00:17:56.460 --> 00:17:57.720 That means many things. 00:17:58.379 --> 00:17:59.759 And it's got many implications. 00:18:00.419 --> 00:18:01.399 But one of the things it means. 00:18:01.480 --> 00:18:02.659 Is that the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:18:03.079 --> 00:18:04.899 Perfectly submitted himself to God's law. 00:18:06.519 --> 00:18:08.720 That he obeyed every last detail of it. 00:18:09.839 --> 00:18:11.700 That law which I have broken. 00:18:11.700 --> 00:18:13.700 And I have transgressed. 00:18:14.299 --> 00:18:16.279 And that law which was good. 00:18:16.359 --> 00:18:18.039 But it's become the instrument of my judgment. 00:18:20.399 --> 00:18:22.980 And the Lord Jesus Christ kept that law perfectly. 00:18:24.519 --> 00:18:26.339 And the perfection of his obedience. 00:18:26.500 --> 00:18:28.159 He lived not only as a man. 00:18:28.240 --> 00:18:29.159 But as a perfect man. 00:18:30.299 --> 00:18:31.960 And when the moment came. 00:18:32.519 --> 00:18:34.299 For sin to be atoned for. 00:18:34.899 --> 00:18:36.019 He could atone for it. 00:18:36.079 --> 00:18:37.139 He could deal with sin. 00:18:37.140 --> 00:18:38.640 Because he had no sin of his own. 00:18:40.300 --> 00:18:42.280 And therefore the baby in the manger. 00:18:44.400 --> 00:18:46.259 Was the God made perfect man. 00:18:47.220 --> 00:18:48.220 For our salvation. 00:18:48.360 --> 00:18:49.620 His divinity and his humanity. 00:18:49.619 --> 00:18:54.839 For what's the reason he was born? 00:18:56.779 --> 00:18:58.259 What is the reason he came? 00:18:59.359 --> 00:19:00.739 Well it's crystal clear in the text. 00:19:00.839 --> 00:19:01.019 Isn't it? 00:19:01.019 --> 00:19:01.859 When the time had fully come. 00:19:01.939 --> 00:19:03.339 God sent forth his son. 00:19:03.439 --> 00:19:03.939 Born of a woman. 00:19:04.079 --> 00:19:04.779 Born under the law. 00:19:05.919 --> 00:19:07.299 To redeem those under the law. 00:19:07.359 --> 00:19:09.000 That we might receive adoption. 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:12.299 So can you see this baby does two things. 00:19:12.419 --> 00:19:13.399 First of all he redeems. 00:19:13.399 --> 00:19:14.239 And then he adopts. 00:19:14.240 --> 00:19:18.319 As we think about the baby. 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:19.140 This Christmas. 00:19:19.339 --> 00:19:20.059 Why did he come? 00:19:21.460 --> 00:19:22.579 What is the purpose. 00:19:22.579 --> 00:19:24.380 Of these cries from the baby? 00:19:24.660 --> 00:19:25.500 What is the reason. 00:19:25.640 --> 00:19:26.799 Behind the angels. 00:19:27.019 --> 00:19:28.240 Breaking into the night sky. 00:19:30.839 --> 00:19:31.980 He came to redeem. 00:19:32.140 --> 00:19:32.640 Those under the law. 00:19:32.680 --> 00:19:33.299 What does that mean? 00:19:35.319 --> 00:19:36.759 Well it means that men and women. 00:19:36.839 --> 00:19:37.440 And boys and girls. 00:19:37.440 --> 00:19:38.700 Who thought that they could climb. 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:40.120 The ladder of the law. 00:19:40.980 --> 00:19:42.440 And somehow reach God. 00:19:42.579 --> 00:19:43.359 And keep the commandments. 00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:48.380 It means that. 00:19:48.759 --> 00:19:49.599 It shows us. 00:19:49.759 --> 00:19:50.960 That is utterly futile. 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:53.220 John Carson wrote this. 00:19:53.319 --> 00:19:54.120 If God had perceived. 00:19:54.279 --> 00:19:55.059 That our greatest need. 00:19:55.140 --> 00:19:55.640 Was economic. 00:19:56.400 --> 00:19:57.640 He would have sent an economist. 00:19:58.980 --> 00:19:59.880 If he perceived. 00:20:00.019 --> 00:20:00.660 That our greatest need. 00:20:00.759 --> 00:20:01.299 Was entertainment. 00:20:01.559 --> 00:20:02.120 He would have sent us. 00:20:02.140 --> 00:20:02.559 A comedian. 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:03.319 Or an artist. 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:05.559 If God had perceived. 00:20:05.559 --> 00:20:06.420 That our greatest need. 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:07.380 Was political stability. 00:20:07.380 --> 00:20:08.220 He would have sent us. 00:20:08.259 --> 00:20:08.720 A politician. 00:20:10.039 --> 00:20:10.880 If he perceived. 00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:11.599 That our greatest need. 00:20:11.680 --> 00:20:12.099 Was health. 00:20:12.200 --> 00:20:12.700 He would have sent us. 00:20:12.720 --> 00:20:13.140 A doctor. 00:20:13.140 --> 00:20:14.160 But he perceived. 00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:15.180 That our greatest need. 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:16.220 Involved our sin. 00:20:16.800 --> 00:20:18.280 Our alienation from him. 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:19.580 Our profound rebellion. 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:20.300 Our death. 00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:21.420 And so he sent us. 00:20:21.540 --> 00:20:22.040 A saviour. 00:20:23.960 --> 00:20:25.180 And so you don't need. 00:20:25.180 --> 00:20:25.680 A lecture. 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:28.160 You need a saviour. 00:20:28.400 --> 00:20:28.940 A rescuer. 00:20:28.940 --> 00:20:31.600 Who will deal with. 00:20:31.600 --> 00:20:32.400 Your rebellion. 00:20:32.400 --> 00:20:34.720 And your tendency. 00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:35.480 To failure. 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:39.019 And so those who are under. 00:20:39.160 --> 00:20:40.420 The judgment of the law of God. 00:20:40.620 --> 00:20:41.080 Paul says. 00:20:41.220 --> 00:20:42.180 In the fullness of time. 00:20:42.340 --> 00:20:43.559 God sent forth his son. 00:20:43.680 --> 00:20:44.559 Born of a woman. 00:20:44.880 --> 00:20:46.180 To redeem those under the law. 00:20:47.759 --> 00:20:48.480 And what does it mean. 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:49.019 To be under the law. 00:20:49.080 --> 00:20:50.059 It means to be under the curse. 00:20:50.160 --> 00:20:50.920 And judgment of God. 00:20:52.820 --> 00:20:53.880 Because the scripture says. 00:20:53.960 --> 00:20:54.580 Is that cursed. 00:20:54.579 --> 00:20:55.559 It is everyone. 00:20:55.559 --> 00:20:56.619 Who does not continue. 00:20:56.699 --> 00:20:57.319 In these commandments. 00:20:59.319 --> 00:21:00.460 And so how does Christ. 00:21:00.460 --> 00:21:01.119 Redeem us. 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:02.460 From the curse of the law. 00:21:02.519 --> 00:21:02.899 Well you don't need. 00:21:02.899 --> 00:21:03.439 To look very far. 00:21:03.500 --> 00:21:04.019 Look at chapter 3. 00:21:04.079 --> 00:21:04.759 In verse 13. 00:21:05.199 --> 00:21:06.099 Christ redeemed us. 00:21:06.099 --> 00:21:06.919 From the curse of the law. 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:08.179 By becoming a curse for us. 00:21:09.919 --> 00:21:10.599 For it is written. 00:21:10.599 --> 00:21:11.419 Cursed is everyone. 00:21:11.539 --> 00:21:12.259 Who hangs on a tree. 00:21:14.319 --> 00:21:15.339 He became. 00:21:15.579 --> 00:21:16.259 He came. 00:21:16.559 --> 00:21:17.319 Perfect God. 00:21:17.599 --> 00:21:18.419 And perfect man. 00:21:18.599 --> 00:21:19.000 Recognizing. 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:20.279 That there is no other way. 00:21:22.599 --> 00:21:24.420 In which that curse of God. 00:21:25.640 --> 00:21:26.640 Could be poured out. 00:21:26.779 --> 00:21:27.940 Except that it was poured out on him. 00:21:29.220 --> 00:21:30.779 In order that we might be freed. 00:21:30.779 --> 00:21:31.680 From God's law. 00:21:32.140 --> 00:21:33.640 From the law's curse. 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:36.700 The Lord Jesus. 00:21:36.859 --> 00:21:37.599 Related to God's law. 00:21:37.599 --> 00:21:39.380 In lots of different ways. 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.859 He fulfilled it in his own life. 00:21:41.019 --> 00:21:41.039 He. 00:21:41.960 --> 00:21:43.339 He lived it out. 00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:44.339 In perfect obedience. 00:21:44.559 --> 00:21:45.539 And he bore the judgment. 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:46.599 Of that broken law. 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:48.519 On himself. 00:21:49.000 --> 00:21:54.039 On Calvary. 00:21:55.680 --> 00:21:56.859 He became a baby. 00:21:57.740 --> 00:21:58.700 He was helpless. 00:22:01.160 --> 00:22:02.200 But the Bible tells us. 00:22:02.259 --> 00:22:02.859 He became poor. 00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:05.180 He who was rich. 00:22:05.259 --> 00:22:06.160 Beyond all telling. 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:06.799 Became poor. 00:22:06.900 --> 00:22:08.099 He had to borrow a coin. 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:09.619 For an illustration. 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:11.319 He had no place to lay his head. 00:22:11.619 --> 00:22:13.019 And yet he'd made the universe. 00:22:14.619 --> 00:22:16.299 And not only did he become poor. 00:22:17.140 --> 00:22:17.539 And. 00:22:17.539 --> 00:22:19.059 Become man. 00:22:19.180 --> 00:22:20.319 He became a curse for us. 00:22:21.940 --> 00:22:23.740 And that means that the very curse of God. 00:22:23.799 --> 00:22:25.180 Was laid on him at Calvary. 00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:28.319 But he came not only to redeem. 00:22:28.440 --> 00:22:29.619 But he came to adopt. 00:22:31.399 --> 00:22:32.519 Look at verse 5. 00:22:34.139 --> 00:22:36.139 He came to redeem those under the law. 00:22:36.279 --> 00:22:37.759 So that we might receive adoption. 00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:38.480 As sons. 00:22:38.480 --> 00:22:43.120 He takes us from that place. 00:22:43.120 --> 00:22:44.700 Where we are about to be banished. 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:45.720 From God's presence. 00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:49.660 And he brings us into the glorious privilege. 00:22:49.660 --> 00:22:50.259 Of his children. 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:53.360 Chapter 3 verse 26. 00:22:53.480 --> 00:22:54.539 His sons and daughters. 00:22:54.539 --> 00:22:55.860 Who have access to him. 00:22:56.220 --> 00:22:57.539 And call him father. 00:22:57.539 --> 00:23:00.460 And so Christ was born. 00:23:00.619 --> 00:23:01.539 To bear our judgment. 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:03.920 And yet wonderfully. 00:23:04.119 --> 00:23:05.279 He brings us all the privileges. 00:23:05.500 --> 00:23:07.319 Of being sons and daughters of God. 00:23:10.200 --> 00:23:11.899 And this helps us hugely. 00:23:11.900 --> 00:23:16.340 That what God is doing. 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:18.560 He is gathering his sons. 00:23:18.560 --> 00:23:19.200 To him. 00:23:22.120 --> 00:23:23.240 I hope you're not upset. 00:23:23.400 --> 00:23:24.019 By that language. 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:29.259 That God has sons. 00:23:30.120 --> 00:23:31.640 It doesn't say that God has daughters. 00:23:31.640 --> 00:23:36.320 We are all God's sons. 00:23:36.540 --> 00:23:37.720 Whether we're male or female. 00:23:38.340 --> 00:23:39.000 And that is because. 00:23:39.080 --> 00:23:39.340 Do you remember? 00:23:39.400 --> 00:23:40.600 The son was the heir. 00:23:40.920 --> 00:23:41.820 In the same way. 00:23:42.220 --> 00:23:44.080 That we are all the bride of Christ. 00:23:44.140 --> 00:23:44.880 If we're a guy. 00:23:45.020 --> 00:23:46.200 There's no offence in being that. 00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:47.640 We are all the bride of Christ. 00:23:49.460 --> 00:23:50.820 We are all adopted. 00:23:50.820 --> 00:23:51.700 As God's sons. 00:23:51.700 --> 00:23:52.460 And God's heirs. 00:23:52.580 --> 00:23:53.700 And this helps us hugely. 00:23:53.700 --> 00:23:55.100 With all our insecurities. 00:23:58.480 --> 00:24:00.540 Imagine you are in court tomorrow. 00:24:00.539 --> 00:24:02.720 And you know that you are guilty. 00:24:03.839 --> 00:24:05.019 You know that you are guilty. 00:24:05.059 --> 00:24:06.359 Of a very severe crime. 00:24:06.559 --> 00:24:06.899 Let's say. 00:24:07.399 --> 00:24:09.799 And the judge in the dock says. 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:11.500 Actually I'm going to acquit you. 00:24:14.180 --> 00:24:15.819 I'm going to declare you not guilty. 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:18.680 But more than that. 00:24:18.980 --> 00:24:20.639 I want you to come home with me. 00:24:21.579 --> 00:24:22.500 Because you're homeless. 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:24.480 And I want you to live with my family. 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:26.099 And we will look after you every day. 00:24:26.159 --> 00:24:27.099 For the rest of your life. 00:24:27.099 --> 00:24:29.819 You see. 00:24:30.299 --> 00:24:31.099 To be adopted. 00:24:31.459 --> 00:24:32.579 Is even more wonderful. 00:24:32.719 --> 00:24:33.459 Than to be justified. 00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:36.839 Justification is a glorious thing. 00:24:36.919 --> 00:24:37.599 The church in history. 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:38.980 Has really rejoiced in it. 00:24:39.379 --> 00:24:40.319 But adoption. 00:24:40.319 --> 00:24:41.980 Is a more wonderful thing. 00:24:43.459 --> 00:24:44.699 It's an incredible thing. 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:46.039 To be declared not guilty. 00:24:46.599 --> 00:24:47.759 To have your sin forgiven. 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:48.500 To be credited. 00:24:48.500 --> 00:24:49.719 With the righteousness of Christ. 00:24:49.879 --> 00:24:51.719 But adoption is far greater. 00:24:51.720 --> 00:24:55.940 Because justification deals with our first need. 00:24:56.319 --> 00:24:57.360 Which is to be acquitted. 00:24:58.279 --> 00:24:59.779 By the judge of the universe. 00:25:00.640 --> 00:25:01.759 But to be adopted. 00:25:01.920 --> 00:25:03.160 Gives us a new status. 00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:04.299 A new identity. 00:25:05.079 --> 00:25:06.220 From which we are to live. 00:25:08.380 --> 00:25:09.579 I think I need to say this. 00:25:09.640 --> 00:25:10.920 That my fathers are difficult. 00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:13.759 And I say that as a father. 00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:16.660 I say that with my father watching on the YouTube. 00:25:16.660 --> 00:25:20.160 And fathers are difficult. 00:25:20.300 --> 00:25:21.080 And for many of you. 00:25:21.300 --> 00:25:21.660 This Christmas. 00:25:22.600 --> 00:25:23.860 Family is both wonderful. 00:25:23.920 --> 00:25:25.360 But really really hard work. 00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:28.960 And we do not understand. 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:29.980 God the father. 00:25:30.160 --> 00:25:32.000 By reference to our own fathers. 00:25:32.940 --> 00:25:33.680 But actually. 00:25:33.900 --> 00:25:35.000 We seek to understand. 00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:36.160 Our fathers. 00:25:36.800 --> 00:25:38.019 And our fatherhood. 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:39.660 In the light of God's perfect fatherhood. 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:41.800 That is the right way round. 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:45.799 That even our own fathers failings. 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:46.879 Bring us to the point. 00:25:46.980 --> 00:25:47.919 Of appreciating. 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:48.940 The perfection. 00:25:49.279 --> 00:25:50.500 Of God's love for us. 00:25:53.559 --> 00:25:54.899 And then the final outcome. 00:25:55.659 --> 00:25:57.299 That he touches on in verse 6. 00:25:59.299 --> 00:26:01.399 Because you are sons of God. 00:26:02.519 --> 00:26:04.480 God sent the spirit of his son. 00:26:04.619 --> 00:26:05.460 Into our hearts. 00:26:05.700 --> 00:26:07.159 Who calls out Abba Father. 00:26:09.019 --> 00:26:09.700 And again. 00:26:09.799 --> 00:26:10.700 There are multitudes of things. 00:26:10.779 --> 00:26:11.259 We could look at. 00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:12.460 But let me point this to you. 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:13.700 The glorious outcome. 00:26:13.879 --> 00:26:14.759 Of Jesus Christ. 00:26:15.180 --> 00:26:16.240 Coming to Bethlehem. 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:17.779 For people like ourselves. 00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:20.539 Who gladly embrace him. 00:26:20.640 --> 00:26:21.440 And trust him. 00:26:21.539 --> 00:26:22.359 And receive him. 00:26:25.420 --> 00:26:26.819 Is that Christ too. 00:26:27.500 --> 00:26:28.740 Is going to be born. 00:26:28.940 --> 00:26:29.579 In Bethlehem. 00:26:29.660 --> 00:26:30.400 By the Holy Spirit. 00:26:31.619 --> 00:26:33.279 But he's also going to be born. 00:26:33.480 --> 00:26:33.859 In us. 00:26:35.480 --> 00:26:36.359 And the place. 00:26:36.500 --> 00:26:37.359 Where Jesus Christ. 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:38.299 Dwells now. 00:26:38.420 --> 00:26:39.740 Is not only at the right hand. 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:40.920 Of the father in glory. 00:26:40.920 --> 00:26:43.560 But also in the life. 00:26:43.560 --> 00:26:44.600 Of the humblest believer. 00:26:46.700 --> 00:26:48.019 God sent his son. 00:26:49.300 --> 00:26:50.500 God sent his spirit. 00:26:50.600 --> 00:26:52.480 These verses are gloriously Trinitarian. 00:26:53.200 --> 00:26:55.200 And why did he send his spirit? 00:26:55.200 --> 00:26:58.039 In order that Christ. 00:26:58.039 --> 00:27:00.240 Who came to be with us. 00:27:00.980 --> 00:27:03.000 And die for us. 00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:05.500 Might dwell in us. 00:27:07.080 --> 00:27:08.819 And that is why he sent his spirit. 00:27:10.480 --> 00:27:12.180 And the glorious reality. 00:27:12.400 --> 00:27:14.059 The distinctive reality. 00:27:14.059 --> 00:27:14.860 For the Christian. 00:27:15.319 --> 00:27:16.140 Is that this. 00:27:16.819 --> 00:27:17.400 Christ. 00:27:17.680 --> 00:27:18.819 The Lord of the ages. 00:27:18.819 --> 00:27:19.059 Is. 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:21.579 The saviour of sinners. 00:27:22.899 --> 00:27:23.879 Perfect God. 00:27:24.000 --> 00:27:25.000 And perfect man. 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:28.619 Lives in me. 00:27:29.700 --> 00:27:31.000 By his holy spirit. 00:27:32.599 --> 00:27:34.639 So that as we come to the Lord's table. 00:27:34.839 --> 00:27:35.279 This morning. 00:27:36.539 --> 00:27:38.379 We look up to the Lord God. 00:27:38.379 --> 00:27:39.240 Of heaven and earth. 00:27:39.240 --> 00:27:41.579 The sovereign creator. 00:27:41.880 --> 00:27:42.339 And redeemer. 00:27:44.039 --> 00:27:45.299 And we call him. 00:27:46.880 --> 00:27:47.740 Our father. 00:27:47.740 --> 00:27:51.740 Let's pray. 00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:51.740 00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:51.740 00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:51.740