1. I want to tell you this: While the one who will inherit his father’s property is still a child, he is no different from a slave. It does not matter that the child owns everything.
2. While he is a child, he must obey those who are chosen to care for him. But when the child reaches the age set by his father, he is free.
3. It is the same for us. We were once like children. We were slaves to the useless rules of this world.
4. But when the right time came, God sent his Son. His Son was born of a woman and lived under the law.
5. God did this so that he could buy freedom for those who were under the law. His purpose was to make us his children.
6. And you are God’s children. That is why God sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts. The Spirit cries out, “Father, dear Father.”