God Sent Forth His Son
Jeremy Bell
Galatians 4:4-5
December 6, 2020
Sermon Video/Audio
Galatians 4:4–5
[4] But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (ESV)
Five Things About The Incarnate Son:
1. Came At the Appointed Time
2. Born of Woman
“Veiled in the flesh the godhead see, hail the incarnate deity, pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel”
3. Born Under the Law
4. Come to Redeem Those Under the Law
“The divinity of Christ, the humanity of Christ, and the righteousness of Christ uniquely qualified Him to be man’s redeemer. If He had not been man, He could not have redeemed men. If He had not been a righteous man, He could not have redeemed unrighteous men. And if He had not been God’s Son, He could not have redeemed men for God or made them the sons of God.” — John Stott
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” Galatians 3:13
“In life and in death, the Son rendered to God the obedience required by the law, and on that basis He has asked the Father to apply the merits of His obedience to all sinners who believe. Thus does the Son answer all accusations against His people and quiet their restless consciences. Thus does He gain their access to God and secure their acceptance before God.” – R Fowler White
5. Come to Secure Our Adoption
Q. 74. What is adoption?
A. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God…whereby all those that are justified are received into the number of His children, have His name put upon them, the Spirit of His Son given to them, are under His fatherly care and dispensations, admitted to all the liberties and privileges of the sons of God, made heirs of all the promises, and fellow-heirs with Christ in glory. Westminster Larger Confession, 1647
Questions For Discussion/Application:
- Re-read the text, Galatians 4:4-5. What initial observations and insights do you have from reading this text?
- What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says, “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son (v.4)….” ?
- This text affirms both the humanity and deity of Christ. What was it necessary for our Savior to be both fully man and fully God?
- See New City Catechism Question 22 and Question 23.
- Re-read the notes under point #4 “Come to Redeem Those Under the Law.” In what sense, prior to coming to Christ, were we under the law? In what ways has Christ fulfilled the law, in our place?
- Re-read the Fowler quote under point #4. How does Christ’s perfect obedience credited to us, calm our consciences when they are restless?
- What can you do to intentionally help focus yourself and your family on the true meaning of Christmas this year? What are some things you’ve done in the past that have helped you during the Christmas season keep your focus on Christ?
- What is your favorite advent devotional? Christmas album?
- Take time to pray and ask God to help us individually and as a group keep our focus on Christ in this season.