Born of Woman Under the Law

Walter Henegar | Dec 17, 2023

Galatians 4:4-7 (ESV)

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. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Sermon Summary

Jesus was born of woman under the law so that we could be born of the Spirit under grace. All three persons of the Trinity conspired together in this divine rescue mission, which means he knows what it’s like to be dependent; he was born under a burden, too; you don’t have to be afraid of him, and you have everything you need.

Discussion Questions

  1. What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
  2. Describe your relationship with your earthly mother, whether biological or adopted. How did she shape you?
  3. What “law” or expectations were you born under—from your family, or your race, or your nation, or your culture?
  4. If God is watching your life all the time, what do you think he thinks of you? Be honest. How does your answer contrast with the Spirit’s cry in verse 6?
  5. What is absent from your life that you wish was present in it? How does Jesus provide everything you need, despite that absence?


Resources Consulted

  • Africa Bible Commentary, Tokunboh Adeyomo
  • Galatians for You, Tim Keller
  • The Message of Galatians, John Stott
  • Galatians Reformed Expository Commentary, Philip Graham Ryker
  • Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians, NT Wright
  • Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther
  • Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, ed. Nancy Guthrie
  • Redemption Accomplished and Applied, John Murray
  • Traveling Light, Eugene Peterson
  • How to Inhabit Time, James K.A. Smith
  • Biblical Critical Theory, Christopher Watkin