FHBC Sermon Notes

Galatians 4:21-31 The Bible is God's inspired word, and in this passage we see how God uses all of history to reveal himself.

Remember the context of this letter. Paul was writing to a group who had earlier believed the gospel, but now were being taught by others that they needed to add to that with the works of the law. Paul is writing to refute that. Now here at the end of his argument Paul reaches backed again to Abraham to address the core of their claim and the truth of the gospel. Bringing the argument full circle, he drives home his point.

1. The scriptural basis for Paul's argument. (4:21-23)

Going back to the events of Genesis 16-17 and 21. God made a glorious promise to Abraham. A promise to bless the world through his offspring though he had none, and was to old to bear children. God was going to do this, not Abraham, not any man.

2. The unique interpretation if Paul's argument.

In the time of Paul the story of Abraham was a focus to much teaching. It is also possible the judiazers whom Paul is refuting were using this very story. Perhaps saying that to be a Christian one must first be a son of the promise, and be like Isaac, be a Jew as part of the law.

Here Paul uses this story to present a typology to say that Hagar and Sarah represent two types of covenants. Hagar represents the Sinia law. The law that brings slavery. Sarah represents the new covenant, who by the hand of God, have been set free.

3. The appropriate application of Paul's arguments.

• V.26 He identifies the Galatians as children of the promise. V.31 not children of the slave. These Gentiles are children of the promise, by a promise, because of Christ.
• V. 29 You will be mocked, you will be persecuted. We do not like suffering, but Paul is saying this will happen, but have hope, for the power of Christ if greater and able to overcome.
• V. 30 Flee falsehood and stand in the truth. Just like Hagar was sent out. So too they must flee from the false teachers among them. The antidote to falsehood and lies is the truth.