In this teaching from Galatians, Pastor Luther Walker emphasizes the profound truth that what matters most is not whether we know God, but whether God knows us—meaning we belong to Him as His legitimate children. Drawing from Galatians 3:28–29 and chapter 4, he explains that in Christ there is no distinction between Jew/Greek, slave/free, or male/female; all believers are placed into the same position of sonship. Sonship refers to a position of privilege, maturity, and full inheritance rights—not biological gender or birth order. A son is no longer under tutors, guardians, or the law but is expected to conduct himself maturely because he possesses everything needed to do so.
Walker carefully defines biblical “son” in its original cultural and scriptural context (especially Roman adoption/placement practices), warning against imposing modern English meanings that cause confusion (e.g., about Jesus as the eternal Son of God, who holds a position of eternal privilege with the Father, not a created or begotten status in time). He stresses studying original Greek and Hebrew word meanings since these are “dead languages” whose definitions do not shift like living English (examples: “repent,” “communication,” “son”).
He traces the concept through Galatians 4:1–7: as long as an heir remains an “inarticulate babbler” (immature child needing training), he differs little from a slave, living under guardians and the elements of the world (Mosaic law rules like “touch not, taste not”). But when the fullness of time came, God sent His Son—born of a woman, born under the law—to redeem those under the law, so believers receive the placement as sons. Christ fulfilled the law completely (Matthew 5:17), becoming a curse for us (Galatians 3:13), purchasing us back so we are no longer slaves but sons and heirs.
The Holy Spirit of His Son is sent into believers’ hearts, crying “Abba, Father,” confirming our legitimate sonship (not mere adoption in the modern sense). This indwelling is permanent in the church age—we live by faith, not sight or Old Testament-style temporary comings of the Spirit. Walker contrasts this freedom with returning to “weak and beggarly elements” (legalistic observances, days, months, seasons), which reimpose bondage and frustrate grace. He critiques modern false gospels that add works (e.g., “make Jesus Lord,” “repent of sins” as a requirement), insisting salvation is by grace through believing the gospel of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection—God’s work, not ours.
Victory over the sin nature comes not by law or fleshly discipline but by walking/stepping according to the Spirit, living out our identity as sons, and aligning with God’s revealed will (desires clearly stated in Scripture). Focusing on who we are in Christ produces genuine righteousness and freedom from sin’s control.
