1. Here is what I have been saying. As long as your own children are young, they are no different from slaves in your house. They are no different, even though they own all of the property.
2. They are under the care of guardians and those who manage the property. They are under their care until the time when their fathers give them the property.
3. It is the same with us. When we were children, we were slaves to the basic things the people of the world believe.
4. But then the right time came. God sent his Son. A woman gave birth to him. He was born under the authority of the law.
5. He came to set free those who were under the law. He wanted us to be adopted as children with all the rights children have.
6. Because you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. He is the Holy Spirit. By his power we call God "[Abba.]" Abba means Father.
7. So you aren't slaves any longer. You are God's children. Because you are his children, he gives you what he promised to give his people.
8. At one time you didn't know God. You were slaves to gods that are really not gods at all.
9. But now you know God. Even better, God knows you. So why are you turning back to those weak and worthless beliefs? Do you want to be slaves to them all over again?
10. You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!