What is the context?
Paul draws out the obligation that follows the Spirit’s life. Believers do not owe obedience to the flesh. He warns of death through living according to it and calls them, by the Spirit, to put sinful deeds to death. New belonging calls for a new way of life.
He then speaks of being led by God’s Spirit and receiving adoption rather than returning to fearful slavery. Adoption translates huiothesia (hwee-oh-theh-SEE-ah), υἱοθεσία, the receiving of the standing of sons; see Thayer’s entry. Paul is describing a family relationship with God and a share in what belongs to Christ.
The Spirit enables the cry Abba, Father and testifies with believers’ spirits that they are God’s children. The emphasis is on the relationship God gives, rather than a title people claim for themselves.
Children are also heirs with Christ. Paul includes sharing His sufferings on the way to sharing His glory. Being welcomed into the family does not mean present hardship proves someone has been excluded from it.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly understand the passage as joining the Spirit’s work in holiness with the assurance of belonging to God’s family. The call to put sinful deeds to death is held together with the freedom to approach God as Father, and the hope of glory is held together with present suffering.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Galatians 4:4–7 gives the same movement in a compact form: God sends His Son to redeem, grants adoption and sends the Spirit of His Son into believers’ hearts, crying Abba, Father. The invitation into God’s family grows from the work of the Son and Spirit, bringing people from slavery into the standing of children and heirs.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.