Having shared his concerns for the Galatians Paul now uses an allegory to illustrate the difference between two covenants, bondage by the law of Moses versus the freedom through Christ.
First the apostle mentions the law and the fact most under the law are not fully aware of its meaning. By definition the law of Moses called for salvation through works, a concept made new by the sacrifice made on the cross by holy redeemer, Jesus Christ.
“21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says?” (Galatians 4:21)
To reinforce his message to the Galatians Paul uses Abraham’s sons, and their mothers as an example of bondage and freedom.
“22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.” (Galatians 4:22)
Abraham’s first son, Ishmael was born in bondage of a slave woman, Hagar. Isaac however was born of the rightful wife of Abraham, Sarah, as the result of a promise made by God that saw a woman bare a child at an extraordinary age.
“23 His son by the slave woman was born in the ordinary way; but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a promise.” (Galatians 4:23)
Paul then compares the slave woman and her seed to Mount Sinai, the place where Moses received the law from God, a place of bondage which paved the way to slavery.
“24 These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar.” (Galatians 4:24)
The seed of Hagar, now Jerusalem, a nest where slavery and bondage according to the Jewish law continues today, a place where spiritual death abounds.
“25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children.” (Galatians 4:25)
Paul now describes the new Jerusalem as free as a result of the sacrifice and fulfillment of prophecy made by Jesus Christ.
Comparing the lost to the numerous children of unrighteous women Paul confronts the Galatians with the truth about the gospel, that broad and popular is the road to destruction but narrow and less traveled is the way that leads to eternal life.
“26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written: “Be glad, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have no labor pains; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.” (Galatians 4:26-27)
Paul described those in Christ, the Galatians who part with the truth that stems from freedom in Christ, as children of promise, made by God to Abraham and his seed, Jesus Christ.
“28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 At that time the son born in the ordinary way persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now.” (Galatians 4:28)
Then and now those who have been freed by faith are, and will continue to be persecuted for their rite of passage. It is the belief of this ministry that anyone calling themselves Christians who are not facing persecution are either hiding or lying. Either way all should agree our freedom was never free, it was paid in full by one man who died nailed to a cross so that all those who believe in Him would inherit eternal life.
“30 But what does the Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” (Galatians 4:30)
Because of Ishmael’s persecution of his brother Isaac their father Abraham cast both Hagar and Ishmael out in lieu of the fact this son bore from bondage was not recognized as heir to his father. Similarly all those in bondage who refuse to abide by the truth, who deny themselves freedom through Christ are likely to be cast out by God Himself.
“31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.” (Galatians 4:31)
Paul’s conclusion for his allegory is that believers are children of the free woman, children freed by faith in Jesus Christ, not slaves to bondage, or relying on works for our salvation instead, expecting God to keep a simple promise made to Abraham and his seed, through this seed. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
