1. But now to continue — the son who will receive his father's property is treated just like a slave while he is young, even though he really owns everything.
2. While he is young, there are men who take care of him and manage his affairs until the time set by his father.
3. In the same way, we too were slaves of the ruling spirits of the universe before we reached spiritual maturity.
4. But when the right time finally came, God sent his own Son. He came as the son of a human mother and lived under the Jewish Law,
5. to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might become God's sons and daughters.
6. To show that you are his sons and daughters, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Father, my Father.”
7. So then, you are no longer a slave but a son or daughter. And since that is what you are, God will give you all that he has for his heirs.
8. In the past you did not know God, and so you were slaves of beings who are not gods.
9. But now that you know God — or, I should say, now that God knows you — how is it that you want to turn back to those weak and pitiful ruling spirits? Why do you want to become their slaves all over again?
10. You pay special attention to certain days, months, seasons, and years.
11. I am worried about you! Can it be that all my work for you has been for nothing?
12. I beg you, my brothers and sisters, be like me. After all, I am like you. You have not done me any wrong.