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.