Lesson
46 Sept 22, 2002
4:25 He continues with the allegory
Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds
to the present Jerusalem,
for she is in slavery with her
children. (She refers to Jerusalem)
Summary 4:25
1. Hagar
represents all that mankind can and will do in their self effort to be accepted
by God.
2.
Jerusalem at the time was the
center of the apostate observance of Judaism.
3. Paul I
believe shocks the Galatians here by comparing the Judaizers who either came from Jerusalem or had ties
there because they were Jews when he
ties Jerusalem to Hagar and the pattern of bondage.
a. Ishmael
and his descendents were on the wrong side of the Abrahamic covenant by virtue
of their unbelief.
b. This is
true even though Ishmael was circumcised
Gen. 17:23
c. Most all
of the Arabic peoples follow the lead of Mohammed and claim descent to Abe
through Ishmael.
4. The
Judaizers may have taught that the
Galatians needed to be circumcised just
as Ishmael and even as the Gentiles who worshiped with Israel were. Ex.
12:48
5. The
principle that Paul is teaching here is that those under the law are slaves
just like Hagar and her descendents.
4:26 Paul now shifts to the Other relationship
pictured by Sarah
But the Jerusalem above is free;
she is our mother.
Summary 4:26
1. Paul
Speaks here of the New Jerusalem now located in heaven. Rev. 21:10-27
2. This is
the city that Abraham sought. Heb 11:10
3. Heavenly
citizenship is based on the free promise of faith in Jesus Christ.
4. That is
the place of our citizenship. Phil. 3:20
5. It is
the spiritual line through Sarah where freedom exists.
4:27 Documentation from the OT
For it
is written: lit.
it stands written; here Paul
introduces a quote from Isa. 54:1
REJOICE,
BARREN WOMAN WHO DOES NOT BEAR;
BREAK FORTH AND SHOUT, YOU WHO
ARE NOT IN LABOR
FOR MORE NUMEROUS ARE THE
CHILDREN OF THE DESOLATE (one
without child - Sarah) THAN OF THE ONE
WHO HAS A HUSBAND. (and has a child- Hagar)
Summary 4:27
1. Isaiah
prophesied of the changing fortunes of
Israel, before her captivity she was likened to a woman with a husband. The barren woman was likened to Israel in
captivity while the woman having more children pictured Israel restored after
the exile but more to the point being blessed during the Millennial reign of
Christ.
2. Paul
applies the picture drawn by Isaiah to Sarah, but he is not saying that is
being fulfilled by Sarah.
3. There
would come a time when Sarah the "desolate" would have a son to rejoice
over just as the promise said.
4. Since
the prophecy in Isaiah follows the Messiah's death and resurrection in ch. 53 Paul understood the fulfillment of that would also
include all who believe and are justified by faith.
5.
Therefore Sarah would ultimately enjoy a greater progeny than Hagar.
4:28 Where do the Galatians fit in all this? Paul begins the application of the doctrinal
principles.
Paul makes 3 comparisons in applying
the Biblical truth:
4:28 The birth of Isaac to that of believers.
4:29 Related to the opposition of the false
teachers, the Judaizers.
4:30 The Galatians own obligation.
4:28 The birth of Isaac to that of believers.
And you brethren, like Isaac, are
children of promise.
Summary 4:28
1. Just as
Isaac experienced a supernatural birth and was a child of promise so each of
the Galatians who believed were justified by faith and had a supernatural
birth, regeneration.
2. Since
they as believers are children of promise and heirs then they should no longer
live as children of bondage. Gal
3:29
4:29 Comparison
related to the opposition of the false teachers, the Judaizers.
But as at that time he who was
born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the
Spirit, so it is now also.
persecuted diw,kw to hunt,
pursue for the purpose of persecuting;
used of himself earlier in 1:13;
23
Object of persecution: him
who was born according to the Spirit,
that is Isaac.
With
the last phrase so it is now also. Paul brings into the focus the present situation in the Galatian
churches with the Judaizers.
Summary 4:29
1. The
pattern of persecution of the believer, especially the grace oriented type, by
the legalist, the religious unbeliever was established long ago.
2. Paul
likened the Judaizers to Ishmael as those born of legalistic self effort.
3. In the
allegory Paul says the situation is the
same now with the Judaizers, the present day legalists, (Ishmaelites
in the allegory) who will persecute anyone born according to the power of the
Spirit.
4. With few
exceptions throughout Paul's ministry he
was persecuted by Jews, the people in bondage to the Law.
5. So also
today grace oriented believers living out the truths of Scripture will be
persecuted for their application of truth, that is for righteousness sake.
- Phil.
1:29; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12-13
4:30 The Galatians own obligation
But what does the Scripture say?
"CAST OUT THE BONDWOMAN AND HER SON, FOR THE SON OF THE BONDWOMAN SHALL
NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN."
Summary 4:30
1. Sarah
having observed the persecution of Isaac by Ishmael correctly discerned what
was needed.
2. She did
the right thing, she went to Abe and laid out the solution to the
situation. Gen. 21:9-10
3. Abe
being greatly distressed, went to God seeking wisdom as to the course of action
to take. He loved Ishmael and didn't
want to expel him.
4. The
instruction from God was clear, listen to Sarah, she gave you good solid
advice. Gen. 21:12
5.
Principle: legalism and all works
systems for salvation cannot coexist with grace.
6.
Application to Galatians:
Separate from the Judaizers who are the present day descendant of
Ishmael, son of slavery.
7.
Application to Local Church:
Discernment must be used continually to ensure that those who might be
legalists, pedaling this type of false doctrine whether for salvation or for
living the Christian life.