Lesson 47 September 25, 2002

Review:

4:31 Conclusion

So then (dio indicates conclusion of paragraph) brethren, (Galatian believers) we are not children of a bondwoman, but (alla) of the free woman.

Summary 4:30

1. Note the comparisons we've seen in the allegory:

Bond woman Free woman

Hagar Sarah

Son from legalism Son from promise

Mosaic Covenant Abrahamic Covenant

Physical Jerusalem Spiritual Jerusalem

2. Sons of the bondwoman are slaves to legalism.

3. Sons of the free woman are heirs of the promise by faith.

4. Sons of the free woman can become like sons of the bond- woman in their life if they fall into the trap legalism.

5. But notice, even though the Galatians had gotten involved in legalism, they are still classed as "sons of the free-woman."

Galatians Chapter 5

Intro:

5:1 Transition to the last major section of Galatians [theme and focus]

4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of a bondwoman, but of the free woman.

5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free;

freedom evleuqeri,a release from slavery

This gift of freedom is bound to the giver or source of this freedom, that Christ set us free evleuqero,w verb, to make free or set free

Summary

1. Jesus Christ's work on the cross was designed to set us free!

2. This statement totally rejects the possibility that the means of this freedom that we have in Christ lies within the realm of our own ability or capacity therefore it is not by works.

3. As freed slaves we must develop the capacity for freedom.

4. Doctrine resident in you is the basis for the capacity to enjoy and appreciate this freedom. John 8:31-32, 36; James 1:25; 2:12

5. This freedom becomes a reality experientially in our lives, f2, only when the Holy Spirit is empowering the life. 2 Cor. 3:17; Rom. 8:2-4

6. Functionally what does this freedom say to us? That we as believers are no longer a slave to our sin nature with its lust patterns and human good. It no longer has to rule or dominate our life. Rom 6:16, 18

7. This freedom can be a reality regardless of the political, or economic system in which one lives.

8. The Galatians need to remember that they were delivered from slavery to idolatry and paganism when they believed in Christ and now some have and others are on the verge of reverting to another form of slavery to live their lives.

9. What should their lives (and ours) be characterized by? Dependence on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who illuminates the truth, fills us with it so that we can be occupied with Christ and His thinking. Heb. 12:1-2