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.”
7. So now you are not a slave; you are God’s child, and God will give you what he promised, because you are his child.
8. In the past you did not know God. You were slaves to gods that were not real.
9. But now you know the true God. Really, it is God who knows you. So why do you turn back to those weak and useless rules you followed before? Do you want to be slaves to those things again?
10. You still follow teachings about special days, months, seasons, and years.
11. I am afraid for you. I fear that my work for you has been wasted.
12. Brothers, I was like you; so I beg you to become like me. You were very good to me before.
13. You remember that I came to you the first time because I was sick. That was when I preached the Good News to you.
14. Though my sickness was a trouble for you, you did not hate me or make me leave. But you welcomed me as an angel from God, as if I were Jesus Christ himself!
15. You were very happy then. Where is that joy now? I remember that you would have taken out your eyes and given them to me if that were possible.
16. Now am I your enemy because I tell you the truth?