1. Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner of everything.
2. Instead, he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father.
3. In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elemental forces of the world.
4. When the time came to completion, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5. to redeem those 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.
8. But in the past, when you didn’t know God, you were enslaved to things that by nature are not gods.
9. But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt elemental forces? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?
10. You observe special days, months, seasons, and years.
11. I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.
12. I beg you, brothers: Become like me, for I also became like you. You have not wronged me;
13. you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a physical illness.
14. You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you. On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.
15. What happened to this sense of being blessed you had? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
16. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
17. They are enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them.