In a message titled, YOU ARE FREE; WHAT WILL YOU DO? (Gal. 4:24-31), Paul completed his sixth and final doctrinal argument defending the gospel.
The Holy Spirit uses symbolism here from a literal historical account (see Genesis 12-21) to prove that Christians are not under the Mosaic Law (i.e. Gal. 4:24a). Abraham’s son Ishmael, who was not born in faith, is symbolic of the flesh while his son Isaac, who was born miraculously by faith, symbolizes being born of the Spirit (Gal. 4:22-23, 29; John 3:1-7). Likewise, Hagar, Abraham’s second wife taken sinfully, symbolizes the Law and Jerusalem that existed then while Sarah, Abraham’s freeborn wife, symbolizes grace and “Jerusalem [that is from] above… the city of the living God” where all the dead in Christ are today until Jesus’ return (Gal. 4:24a-27; Heb. 12:22; Isa 54:1; Rev. 19:7-8, 14, etc.).
The Holy Spirit then reminds us as Christians of our position in Christ: YOU ARE FREE! That is, we “are children of the promise,” sons and daughters of grace, born miraculously from above (Gal. 4:28), and just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac in the past, so unbelievers persecute people of faith today (Gal. 4:29; Gen. 21:9).
We are then called to action: “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, [because he will] not be heir with the son of the freewoman” (Gal. 4:30; Gen. 21:10, 1 Cor. 10:14, etc.). What will the Galatians do? WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Only what is done by Christ through us will last (Eph. 2:10; Heb. 12:25-29; 2 Cor. 5:9-10, etc.).
God then reminds us again of our certain identity in Christ proving this is not a salvation issue but one of growth and maturity. Indeed, the Scripture steadfastly declares, “[Christians] are not children of the bondwoman but of the free” (Gal. 4:31; Rom. 6:11; Gal. 2:20, etc.).
Pastor Dave
My passion is to protect and promote the truth, and teach others to do the same through the faithful teaching of the Bible.
Gospel means “good news.” While we can have good news throughout our lives in many forms, the good news God shares with us is the forgiveness of sin through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
My cell is 208-597-1508, or you can also reach me at pastor@springhillchurchspokane.org