3. It was the same way with us. When we were children, we were slaves to the principles of this world.
4. But when the right time came, God sent his Son ⌊into the world⌋. A woman gave birth to him, and he came under the control of the laws given to Moses.
5. God sent him to pay for the freedom of those who were controlled by these laws so that we would be adopted as his children.
6. Because you are God’s children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into us to call out, “Abba! Father!”
7. So you are no longer slaves but God’s children. Since you are God’s children, God has also made you heirs.
8. When you didn’t know God, you were slaves to things which are really not gods at all.
9. But now you know God, or rather, God knows you. So how can you turn back again to the powerless and bankrupt principles of this world? Why do you want to become their slaves all over again?
10. You religiously observe days, months, seasons, and years!
11. I’m afraid for you. Maybe the hard work I spent on you has been wasted.
12. Brothers and sisters, I beg you to become like me. After all, I became like you were.You didn’t do anything wrong to me.
13. You know that the first time I brought you the Good News I was ill.
14. Even though my illness was difficult for you, you didn’t despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were God’s messenger or Christ Jesus himself.
15. What happened to your positive attitude? It’s a fact that if it had been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
16. Can it be that I have become your enemy for telling you the truth?
17. These people ⌊who distort the Good News⌋ are devoted to you, but not in a good way. They don’t want you to associate with me so that you will be devoted only to them.