As we look into Paul’s writing in Galatians 4.21-31, we will discover insights on The Spiritual Divide through the story of Abraham’s sons and their representation of two spiritual paths.
PowerPoint Video
SoundCloud Audio
Recap
In Galatians 4.21-31, Paul uses the story of the two sons of Abraham to point out the spiritual divide that is often experienced in the world today. This divide speaks directly to the struggles with performance-based religion verses the longing for true spiritual freedom. Paul writes…
Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.
These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written:
—
“Be glad, barren woman,
you who never bore a child;
shout for joy and cry aloud,
you who were never in labor;
because more are the children of the desolate woman
than of her who has a husband.”—
Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. But what does 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.” Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.
—
Today we are going to discuss three points to hopefully help us to understand how this spiritual divide applies to our lives today.
The first point addresses the first child of Abraham and points to…
1. The Bondage of Law—Justification by Works
Paul begins this section by writing, “Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says?” (4:21). He then refers to the story of Abraham’s two sons: Ishmael, born of Hagar, and Isaac, born of Sarah.
Hagar represents the Old Covenant, the Law of Moses, and those who seek justification through works. A little bit about Hagar…
God gave Abraham the promise that he was going to have a child in his old age. Through this child, all nations were going to be blessed, and Abraham’s descendants would become a great nation. However, this promise did not come about right away. In the delay, Sarah decided to give her maidservant, Hagar, to Abraham to start a family.
In this decision, Ishmael was born according to the flesh, by man’s decision instead of in God’s time. His birth symbolizes those who are born into this bondage. The focus is on human effort and compliance with rules, leading to a state of servitude.
The phrase “born according to the flesh” highlights the human tendency to rely on our own abilities rather than God’s grace. This leads to a life of striving and fear. Many strive to earn God’s favor, but then live in fear of not doing enough. That is what bondage to the law is all about.
—
What can we do to remain free from that bondage? We need to be continually examining our life. Are we trying to earn God’s favor through good deeds or religious rituals? Do we live in fear of condemnation if we fail to meet certain standards?
If we find ourselves trying to earn God’s favor, we should confess any areas where you’re relying on your own efforts rather than trusting in Christ’s finished work. Then, we can practice resting in God’s grace, knowing that our salvation and acceptance are based on what Jesus has done, not what we do. If we do not recognize that we are striving to be perfect through our own effort, it will only lead to spiritual exhaustion.
The second point addresses Abraham’s second child which points to…
2. The Freedom of Grace… Justification by Faith
Abraham’s second child was born of his wife Sarah. Sarah represents the New Covenant, the covenant of grace, and those who are justified by faith in Christ.
Isaac, born according to the promise, symbolizes those who are born of the Spirit. Paul emphasizes that Isaac’s birth was miraculous, a result of God’s promise and power. This highlights that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something we can earn.
The phrase “born according to the Spirit” signifies a new life in Christ, where we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in freedom and obedience. A great example of this would be the Apostle Paul himself. Paul transitioned from a zealous Pharisee, who sought to destroy the church, to become a passionate follower of Christ. This change in Paul was only possible through the freedom that comes through grace.
—
Again, what can we do to remain centered on this freedom found in Christ? It starts by embracing our identity as a child of God. Through faith in Jesus, we are born of the Spirit and adopted into God’s family. As we embrace this identity, then we can live in the assurance of our salvation, knowing that our sins are forgiven and that we are eternally secure in Christ.
By placing our faith in Jesus, we can walk in the freedom that He has won for us. We can overcome and no longer be bound by fear or legalism. As we come to recognize this freedom, we should practice regularly giving thanks for this grace of God.
The divide from these two sons leads us to point number three which reminds us…
3. The Potential Pain… from Works to Faith
Paul notes that “at that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now” (4.29). This highlights the conflict between legalism and grace, which continues to this day.
The passage concludes with “But what does 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.’ Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman” (4:30-31). This signifies the rejection of legalism and the affirmation of our inheritance as children of promise.
The persecution that the children of promise face comes from those who are still bound by the law, and do not understand the freedom given by Christ. This opposition and persecution is found in the life of Jesus, to the apostles, to Paul and the early church, to many in the world today. Knowing this opposition and persecution is the potential for any believer can help us to remember to remain focused on the life to come.
—
What can we go to stay faithful in times of trouble? We can start by being prepared to face opposition from those who don’t understand or accept the gospel of grace. We can stand firm in our faith, knowing that our inheritance in Christ is secure.
As we focus on the hope of the eternal life to come, we can be reminded and know that our present sufferings are temporary compared to the glory that awaits us in the life to come.
—
When considering and living in the spiritual divide between works and faith, a few things that will help us to remember. Remember that we are children of promise, born of the Spirit, and heirs to an eternal inheritance. Because of this, let us reject the bondage of legalism and embrace the freedom that Christ has won for us. Then, let us live in the assurance of our salvation, walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, and sharing the good news of grace to the world around us.
—
Please come back to watch, listen, or read other messages and studies found on this site.
Have a Great Day!