Gal 3:28-4:7
28 In Christ's family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. 29 Also, since you are Christ's family, then you are Abraham's famous "descendant," heirs according to the covenant promises.  

4:1 Let me show you the implications of this. As long as the heir is a minor, he has no advantage over the slave. Though legally he owns the entire inheritance, 2 he is subject to tutors and administrators until whatever date the father has set for emancipation. 3 That is the way it is with us: When we were minors, we were just like slaves ordered around by simple instructions (the tutors and administrators of this world), with no say in the conduct of our own lives. 4 But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. 5 Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. 6 You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!" 7 Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.  (The Message)
 
Why do many people have a hard time receiving their inheritance, even though they have complete access to it?
 
Gal 4:1
1 As long as the heir is a minor, he has no advantage over the slave. Though legally he owns the entire inheritance,
 
Minor: One who cannot speak, hence, an infant, child, baby without any definite limitation of age.
 
·        It can also be used figuratively to describe someone simple-minded, spiritually immature and lacking understanding of any age!
 
Gal 4:3
3 That is the way it is with us: When we were minors, we were just like slaves ordered around by simple instructions (the tutors and administrators of this world), with no say in the conduct of our own lives.
 
Gal 4:3
3 So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. RSV
 
Elemental: to walk or march in rank with the spirit of the age
 
Col 2:8-9
8 Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. NLT
 
·        Many do not able to obtain their inheritance even though you are rightful heirs, because they act like babies, and babies want everything that looks good even if it’s harmful!  (never satisfied)
 
What is the solution for the Father of the heir?
 
Discipline: the whole training and education of children
 
Heb 12:7-13
7 As you endure this divine discipline (CHILD TRAINING), remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. NLT
 
3 John 2-3
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.  NKJV
 
 A third of lottery winners end up in bankruptcy court, lottery winners are also more likely than the average person to declare bankruptcy within 3-5 years of their big win.
 
·        If we do not endure the child training, we will become spoiled brats and lose all in the end!
 
1.    The Word—
 
1 Peter 2:2-3
 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness. NLT

Heb 5:11-14
11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don't seem to listen. 12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. 13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. NLT
 
2.    Christ-centered Fellowship –
 
·        Fellowship forces growth
 
Heb 10:23-25
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. NLT
 
 
3.    Walk in the Holy Spirit –  (do not trust your flesh)
 
Rom 8:5-14
5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. 8 That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. 9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. NLT
 
4.    Surrender –
 
·        Surrendering to God can be difficult due to ingrained desires for control!
 
Prov 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. KJV
 
 
Conclusion: God’s aim in our life is growth and maturity.  During the time of “Child Training” everything seems out of control and it is, our control!
 
Heb 12:11-13
 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. NLT