Frist, we were all once in slavery (1-3). An heir and a slave are no different as long as the heir is underage. The heir's relationship to the family is never disputed. One day the heir will receive the family's estate. However, until that time, the heir is under the authority of guardians and trustees. Likewise, all mankind was once under the spiritual forces and basic principles of this world. No one was a child of God. But God always had a plan to make both Jews and Gentiles his children. Second, we can now be God's children (4-7). At the set time, God sent Jesus into the world. Jesus was born of a woman and under the law, so that he might save those under the law. Jesus did this by his death and resurrection. Jesus redeemed us so that we can be adopted as God's children. Furthermore, God sent his Spirit into our hearts, the Spirit who cries on our behalf, 'Abba, Father.' We are no longer slaves. By his grace, God is our Father and we are heirs of his kingdom.
Application: Father, thank you for redeeming us from the spiritual forces of this world. Thank you for being our Father and for making us heirs of your kingdom.
One Word: God is our Father