Free Children
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Galatians 4:
21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. 26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
Review
Review
Grown Children
Grown Children
In the previously covered portion of chapter 4 we noticed that Paul was urging the Christians at Galatia to reconsider the direction they were headed. Christ had provided a way to full adoption into his family as grown children and they were in the process of trading this for an inferior practice of rules and regulations.
Our Adopted Relationship
Our Adopted Relationship
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Gal 4:
Paul was concerned they did not fully appreciate what they possessed in this relationship and were in danger of making a bad trade. The offer of the Judaizers seemed to make sense since it was founded on Old Testament laws given by Moses and therefore carried weight and significance. These false teachers were attempting to lay burdens, guilt and fear on the Christians in Galatia by putting them under the “elements” of the old system.
Paul was concerned they did not fully appreciate what they possessed in this relationship and were in danger of making a bad trade. The offer of the Judaizers seemed to make sense since it was founded on Old Testament laws given by Moses and therefore carried weight and significance. These false teachers were attempting to lay burdens, guilt and fear on the Christians in Galatia by putting them under the “elements” of the old system.
Paul reminded them of a time when they were in bondage under the “weak and beggarly elements” and it was a time of childhood. Children, no matter their future social standing need to be “governed” until such a time when they can fully assume the responsibility and liberty associated with adulthood. In terms of our relationship with God we are fully privileged adults and we enjoy both the responsibility and liberty that comes with such a standing!
The Regression to childhood
The Regression to childhood
When these Galatians bought into the lie of the legalists they were trading adulthood for childhood. It was a serious regression that comes with serious consequences. They had begun to “observe days, and months, and times, and years” and Paul was beside himself and he described it as “I am afraid of you” or we might say it this way “I am concerned about what this will do to you”. Paul understood the personal difficulties associated with living this way, he was raised in it!
They would lose the freedom and liberty they have gained
4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
They would lose the joy of the Lord
They would lose the joy of the Lord
15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
blessedness - it means joy - Paul was describing the fact that this regression had caused them to lose the joy they had in Christ
The Re-Examination plea
The Re-Examination plea
12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
Paul was begging them to “be as I am”. He was saying that he had given up all of the privileges of his Jewish upbringing to embrace Christ fully. These Galatian gentiles had never had to give that up so in a sense Paul was becoming like them. He was free from the ritualistic restraints of the law and able to fully embrace his liberty in Christ. He was moving to a higher plane being led by the Spirit, a point he elaborates on further in chapter 5.
There are times in our lives when we must take a serious look at the direction we are headed. We can all be prone to make bad trades when we take what is offered in exchange for what God has provided. At times the trade seems to make sense until we get further down the road and realize what we have purchased is worthless. Buyers remorse is something we have all experienced and Paul is giving a strong warning.
He continues this warning by expanding on his use of events in Abrahams life...
Introduction
Introduction
Introduction
Introduction
Paul presents the story of Issac and Ismael as an allegory to represent the difference between a child of bondage and a child of freedom. This is a unique section of Scripture where we see a New Testament writer explaining the deeper meaning of an Old Testament account as a way to illustrate an important truth.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Paul begins by challenging their desires.....
I. Paul challenged their desires
I. Paul challenged their desires
21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
Gal 4:21
Illustration: Have you ever purchased something without fully investigating what you were buying? Maybe you were purchasing a home and didn't think the “inspection” was necessary. We were in the process of buying a home that we thought would fit our needs and God’s plan for our lives when an inspection revealed a serious issue with the plumbing. It was something that could be fixed so I attempted to negotiate with the seller who would not come to reasonable terms. I thought for sure this was the direction God wanted for us but the deal ultimately fell through. Several months later it was obvious that God had other plans for us and as is always the case, His way is best!
Buying is an emotional thing. Early in my sales career I learned that in most situations people buy with emotion and then justify with intellect. This is why so many “infomercials” are so effective. We buy into the promise of the product without fully investigating its merits.
This is what was happening in Galatia. This is why Paul is begging them to think about what they are doing!
Our desires need to be challenged because it’s often our instincts that get us into trouble. Here Paul is challenging their desire to put themselves under the law. He asks them...”have you really thought about this”?
What desires do we have that can lead us away from Gods truth
Do we take the time to think throughly about the decisions we make and the positions we take?
Some of the decisions we make in life can and do have lifelong consequences!
He challenges their desires and then he pulls back the curtain and again paints another grim picture of a life lived under the bondage of the law....
II. Paul contrasted two descendants
II. Paul contrasted two descendants
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. 26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
We have a stark picture here of two distinct families. One that was promised and given by God and the other was used to demonstrate the weakness of our flesh. The ultimate goal of the law was to get a man to understand that he cannot keep it. But at his core man is so proud that he not only tries to keep it but even adds to it!
Abraham & Sarah (Timeline)
75- Called by God to go to Canaan and revives the promise of many descendants ()
85- No promised son yet…Sarah gets impatient and suggests a marriage to Hagar (her handmaiden/servant) in order to move the process along and get the desired results ()
86- Hagar conceives and Sarah becomes jealous and throws Hagar out. God promises to provide for Hagar and her child and orders Hagar to return. The son is born and they call him Ishmael ()
99- God repeats his promise to Abraham and Sarah - they will have a son and will call him Issac, which means laughter/joy. ()
100- Issac is born and a new problem is created because Ishmael now has a rival
103- As was customary in their day Abraham and Sarah hold a celebration to publicly display Issac's weaning and Sarah hears Ishmael mock Issac. Ishmael and Hagar are thrown out, never to return again!
A. Ishmael & Issac / The Flesh vs The Spirit
A. Ishmael & Issac / The Flesh vs The Spirit
“of the flesh”
“Mt. Sinai, which gendereth to bondage”
“Jerusalem which now is”
Issac was born by God’s power - God waited 25 years to grant Abraham and Sarah their promised son “born after the spirit”. We are born by God’s power...
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
John 3:
Issac brought joy - His name literally means “laughter”. Salvation is an experience of joy, to the believer and those around him
Issac grew and was weaned - Salvation is just the beginning of the Christian life - we must grow and eventually be weaned off of the milk.
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
Issac was persecuted - Ishmael (the flesh) caused problems for Issac in the same way that our old nature causes problems for us. Until we were saved our flesh ruled unchallenged but now there is conflict.
Abrahams Home:
Hagar vs Sarah = Law vs Grace
Ishmael vs Issac = Flesh vs Spirit
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Eight: Meet Your Mother (Galatians 4:19–31)
It is important to note that you cannot separate these four factors. The Judaizers taught that Law made the believer more spiritual, but Paul makes it clear that Law only releases the opposition of the flesh and a conflict within the believer ensues (see Rom. 7:19). There was no Law strong enough either to change or to control Ishmael, but Isaac never needed any Law. It has well been said, “The old nature knows no Law and the new nature needs no Law.”
B. Sarah & Hagar / Grace vs Law
B. Sarah & Hagar / Grace vs Law
Hagar was Abrahams second wife - God did not begin with Hagar - He began with grace in the garden - God begins with grace - the law was “added because of transgressions”
19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
Hagar was a slave - Hagar was not free like Sarah - the law was given as a servant - “wherefore then serveth the law” as a mirror, as a monitor but never a mother!
Hagar was not meant to bear a child - No amount of legislation can give us spiritual life - the law cannot produce what only the Spirit can produce
Hagar gave birth to a slave - Ishmael was a “wild man” and even though he was a slave he could never be controlled. God desires his children to be and live free!
Hagar was cast out - - Sarah gave the order and God approved it “cast this bondwoman out and her son”. There is no situation where the two can co-exist.
“Jerusalem which is above is free...”
Finally, Paul calls these Christians to take action....
III. Paul called them to discard the bondage
III. Paul called them to discard the bondage
30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
Gal 4:
Problem: Like Issac we are children of promise by grace. The covenant of grace, pictured by Sarah, is our spiritual mother. The law and the old nature (Hagar and Ishmael) want to persecute us and bring us into bondage. So how are we to react to this problem? What are we to do?
A. We can try and change them
A. We can try and change them
This will fail because we cannot change or manage the flesh. “that which is born of the flesh is flesh”
God did not try to change Hagar and Ishmael
Can you imagine how Abraham must have felt when he did this?
B. We can try to compromise with them
B. We can try to compromise with them
This is an even greater challenge and will not work - like mixing oil and water does not work
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Eight: Meet Your Mother (Galatians 4:19–31)
False teachers today tell us, “Don’t abandon Christ; simply move into a deeper Christian life by practicing the Law along with your faith in Christ.” Invite Hagar and Ishmael back home again. But this is a path back into slavery: “How turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?” (Gal. 4:9)
C. We can cast them out
C. We can cast them out
This is the only course of action we can take
In reference to what Abraham did with Hagar and Ishmael we are encouraged to “cast out the bondwoman and her son”. When we remember what they represent it is easy to see why Paul is urging us to do this.
In reference to what Abraham did with Hagar and Ishmael we are encouraged to “cast out the bondwoman and her son”. When we remember what they represent it is easy to see why Paul is urging us to do this.
Cast - need to examine this word and understand the force of what Paul is advocating here
The law cannot give life or fruitfulness - Hagar and Ishmael must be “cast out”
Cast - need to examine this word and understand the force of what Paul is advocating here
How do we cast out the bondwoman and her son?
Conclusion
Conclusion
“we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free”
It’s important for us to know where we came from, where we originated. Our spiritual birth is one of supernatural process through the power of God recieved by faith. We are free born, adult citizens of the kingdom of heaven and we are to move forward completely grounded in this truth. It is vital that we understand this and allow this truth to rule in our hearts.