How does the Greek or Roman tutor illustrate our position as sons of God?
The Greek or Roman tutor prepared a child until he was a mature adult son, ready to enter and work alongside the father as co-equal, not as a fearful puppy. That pictures believers: by the cross God places us as fully tutored sons, joint heirs with Christ, crying Abba Father.
Les explains that in the Greek or Roman system, the tutor's role was to bring the child to maturity so that when he became a prepared young man, he could step in as an adult son and be co-equal with the father. He did not have to come in like a little puppy dog, almost afraid of old Dad; he was ready to come right in and work alongside the father because he had been well tutored. Les then applies this: that is where believers are. By virtue of the work of the Cross, God can place us as a full, completely tutored son of God, and we can come right in alongside Him. That is our position. Ephesians is a book of position, showing believers are in an exalted position in the heavenlies and already joint heirs with Christ, having received the Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father.