3 This is how it was with us. We were like children ruled by the powers of this world.
4 But when the time was right, God sent his Son, and a woman gave birth to him. His Son obeyed the Law,
5 so he could set us free from the Law, and we could become God's children.
6 Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father.
7 You are no longer slaves. You are God's children, and you will be given what he has promised.
8 Before you knew God, you were slaves of gods that are not real.
9 But now you know God, or better still, God knows you. How can you turn back and become the slaves of those weak and pitiful powers?