GALATIANS -- Chapter IV
Introduction:
1. The first 7 verses continue the thoughts in chapter 3 concerning
sonship. (Remember, chapters not divided until about 1240 AD)
2. Paul still pressing the point of foolishness for them to go back
to the Law and its weaknesses.
3. Outline of Chapter 4:
I. A continuation of the discussion of sonship, showing true
sonship through Christ (1-7).
II. A sharp rebuke for their turning back (8-11).
III. A continuation of rebuke and exhortation (12-20).
IV. An allegory of Hagar and the freewoman (21-31).
(vs 1) "But I say" (KJ, "Now I say") Paul had already introduced the
fact that while they were under the Law they were not full
children (3:24,25), proceeds now to illustrate the point.
"Heir" -- one who receives the inheritance, the blessings, yet
as long as an heir he has not received anything.
"As a child" -- until he arrives at the correct age.
"differeth.." Has no more control of the property than the
slave. In regard to property, authority, he does not differ.
"Lord of all" Lord to be, prospective, Master, owner to be; yet
not completely in authority.
A child, before certain age, had no more than servant.
(vs 2) Until the appointed day the son cannot claim the inheritance.
Father appoints the day.
God appointed a day for his own to come into full sonship.
(vs 3) Paul now draws his comparison.
Before Christ (under the Law) man (Jews) was a minor, held in
bondage under the Law (Gal. 5:1).
They were children, yet only as bondservants.
Law lead right up to the day Christ died.
"rudiments of the world" -- not that they were evil, nor did
they resemble the world, but like the things of the
world they were transient, temporary, and of little
value eternally. They were unsatisfactory in their
nature.
(vs 4) One of the greatest verses in all the Bible.
Christianity is built upon it.
"fullness of time came" -- everything was ready; prophecy, need,
preparation, language, peace, etc. Roman government
controlled the world. Travel easier, etc.
Suggests two thoughts:
(1) with regard to God the right time for the revelation
of the Messiah had arrived.
(2) With regard to the receivers (man) the fulness or
maturity of the world had come.
"God sent"-- the word "sent" carries with it a source. Also,
the pre-existence of Christ with God. Jn 1:1,2; 16:28
God derived and fulfilled the plan. Man had nothing to do
with it. This was the argument Paul made about the
promise in chapter 3. The promise did not depend upon
the law. "God is one" (vs 3:20).
"Born of a woman" -- John 1:14, became flesh--Phil. 2:5-11.
Fulfillment of Genesis 3:15.
Born into the world of sin and wickedness
"Under the Law" Christ lived under the age of the Mosaical
dispensation and also He died under the Law. His law did
not become effective until His death, Heb. 9:11-18.
(vs 5) Wonderful thought!!! Redemption by blood of Christ. cf. 3:13.
By God's grace did we become children of God.
By that wonderful gift of His Son were we purchased and
redeemed.
Those under the Law were redeemed. Why, if the Law saved?
We have been born into spiritual family. John 3:3,5.
Christ -- son through nature -- we, sons by adoption.
(vs 6) "Because" -- As a result of being a son we have the promise.
What more could we desire or want?
Relationship between God and Son -- Glorious
The father nourishes, cares, tends, and loves his children.
We are all brethren -- of the same family, same body.
(1) All have the same Father.
(2) Same head of the one body. Marvel of Christianity,
all belong to each other and all to Christ.
(3) Our strength and desires come from Him.
(4) We feed upon the same food, nourishment, same table
(5) If we could be sold upon this, the troubles of the
church and brethren would be desolved.
(6) Romans 8:14-17:
(a) Led by the Spirit
(b) Spirit bearing witness with our spirit.
SPIRIT SAYS: YOUR SPIRIT:
1. Heb. 11:6 1. (?) I do believe
2. Luke 13:3 2. (?) I did repent
Acts 17:39
3. Matt 10:32 3. (?) I did confess Christ
Rom. 10:10
4. Mark 16:16 4. (?) I was Baptized
Acts 2:38
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SON OF GOD
(vs 7) "a son" "an heir"
Our Father owns everything -- all things are His. He is rich.
We are heirs to riches untold. Although we may have empty
pockets now, some day we will come into our own and receive
that which He is saving for us. We will obtain our share.
This make us the richest people on this earth.
But how do we often act?
II. A sharp rebuke for their turning back (8-11):
(vs 8) "at that time" -- while under the Law, before you knew the
Christ and true sonship.
"not knowing God" -- They did not know God as their Father. He
was not fully revealed.
Possible reference to the Gentile converts -- idols.
They made gods of their own, Idols, false gods, etc.
Today people who are not Sons of God make their own gods;
money, hobbies, etc.
cf. 5:1
(vs 9) Note correction made by Paul:
To keep them from thinking they had anything to do with it.
It was God who recognized them, made Himself known to them
We today are adopted by God, -- He made the plan.
How can you go back to the old rituals after once becoming a
child of God?
"weak" -- had no power to rescue them.
"beggarly"-- did not impart spiritual blessings
These things only held you in bondage, now you are free
Same today:
How absurd for man to go back again into bondage after once
being freed.
cf. Person drowning and is saved; but jumps right back in
and tries to drown self again. cf. 2 Peter 2:20-22.
(vs 10) They had even gone so far as to bring back the old Jewish days
of worship; possibly Sabbath, Passover, Pentecost, etc.
They were trying to mix the Law with Christianity.
This happens often today:
Those claiming to be Christians want to mix the world with
the church. If it works in the world, why not bring it
into the church. Also, brethren see the denominations
doing certain things and they seem to hold their members
so, why not try what they are doing.
(vs 11) Paul was afraid they were going to forsake his teachings.
He was disappointed in the way they were acting.
NOTE: Difference between rudimentary Law and Spiritual Law:
(1) A child is given certain rules which he does not
understand, but must do (go to bed, eat right food, wear
right clothing, take medicine, etc.)
(2) When he grows up he will learn how to care for himself.
(3) Law was a set of absolute rules.
(4) New Law different, not big rule book (do this, don't do
that), but a book of principles. This is not to say that
the gospel does not have negatives, etc. Because of this
some in the church say, "Show me where I must attend
every service, etc."
(5) Gospel is mature, grown up.
(6) While under the rule book growth cannot be had, but
under freedom it can be.
III. Continuation of rebuke and Personal love for them influenced his
efforts to correct (12-20):
(vs 12) Paul pleads with them, "beseech." Interested in them.
"Brethren" -- members of the family of God, the church.
"Become as I am" -- Paul gave up Jewish rituals. He became free
of them. Pleading for them to do like he did and leave
these things.
"I became as you"--Paul gave up personal privileges to gain
souls.
Cf. 1 Cor. 9:20-21
Not that he became subject to the Law, but became even as
Gentiles to convert them.
"Ye did me no wrong" -- There was no ill-feeling between them.
This was not a personal offense or hurt.
But souls were at state.
(vs 13) Paul had preached the gospel there for the first because of
some sickness. Various explanations have been given to
this sickness.
(vs 14) "My temptation..." -- Paul was hindered by some fleshly
disease. Many think it was a periodically returning
disease. His sickness was not despised by them.
"But received..." -- received him the same as if he had been an
angel or received him as a messenger from God.
cf. Rev. 1:20, 2:1.
"Even as..." As you would have received Christ himself, as
freely.
(vs 15) "Where then is the blessedness?" How happy you were then, What
joy!! They had lost that joy toward him.
Had they forgotten so soon?
"I bear you witness: -- I testify.
"You would have plucked..." -- Such love excelled all else.
No higher proof of attachment could have been given.
Loved him so mush would have given anything, however dear.
How changed they were now to listen to another condemn him.
(vs 16) "Am I become..."
In Paul's speaking of the false teacher, he was telling
truth.
Were they to become angry and mad because he was warning
them truthfully of their error?
Does that mean I am now your enemy?
How are we when told we are wrong?
Do we become angry and frown upon him and call him
enemy?
Usually we act the same way:
Become cold, indifferent and cease to think much of
him or her.
We don't like for others to know our faults and
become angry when we learn he knows them.
We love to be flattered and not reproved. Human
nature.
Many are offended at preachers and teachers, but it is
usually the truth they are offended at.
Should count them as friend who helps us correct.
CF. If I am drowning, it is a friend who saves me. If my
soul is being lost, it is a friend who saves me.
(vs 17) "They zealously seek you..."
Judizers sought their love and affection.
Professed great concern for their welfare. Great pains taken
to gain their respect and love.
"No good way" - Not good motives, intentions, or designs.
"They desire to shut you out"
Shut you away from my love and affections, from Paul.
Must ruin confidence in Paul before the Gentiles would
listen to them. cf. 1:1; 1:11-12.
(Some translations say "us."
"That ye may seek them." You would turn your love toward them
They would have the center of attraction.
NOTE: (1) The desire to show great concern over them.
(2) Tore down Paul's love and connection.
(3) Built up their own love and affection.
TODAY: Catholic church, man made creeds, etc.
(vs 18) "But it is good..."
Paul spoke not against zeal and love. They were suppose
to have zeal toward teachers, other Christians.
But to accept someone only because of zeal is directing it
in the wrong direction.
So zealous they could not possibly be false teachers.
TODAY: How often have we seen pious men and women, very
zealous, outgoing, etc., yet false teachers.
"Not only when I am with you"
Somewhat of an ironic remark.
While Paul was with them they were zealous for the truth;
but when he left they forgot.
Zeal or love will be just as great when object is away as
when near, when friends are away as when near.
(vs 19) "My little children" Language of tender affection. As a parent
toward offspring. Paul had taught them. He was as a
father -- His children.
"Of whom...travail" deep pain (birth--deepest pain known to
human nature) His anxiety toward them. Worried over
them.
"Until Christ..." Until Christ reigns wholly in your life again.
cf. 2:20.
Till they put off the false teachers and listen only to
God's Word.
(vs 20) "But I could wish..." They had lost much by his absence. If he
were with them, he could accomplish more than by letter.
"And to change my tone" -- To express clearly what he meant.
Personal expression is easier than by letter.
"For I am perplexed" Paul was worried about their welfare.
IV. AN ALLEGORY OF HAGAR AND THE FREEWOMAN (21-31):
(vs 21) "Ye that desire to..." You who wish to yield obedience to the
Law of Moses. You who say parts of the Law are necessary
"Do ye not hear the Law"
Do you not understand what the Law says.
Listen to its own teachings and admonitions.
The Law itself will tell you differently.
(vs 22) "For it is written" Gen. 16 - 21--Recorded in old writings.
"Abraham had two sons" -- Ishmael & Isaac, most predominate of
his sons, and gives Paul the illustration.
Ishmael -- son of Hagar, whom Sarah had give to Abraham.
Isaac -- son of Sarah, true and first wife.
(vs 23) "But he who was...after the flesh" In the ordinary course of
nature, without special promise or divine interposition
"But he of the freewoman.." In accordance with special promise.
Done by Divine interposition.
NOTE: From birth, the son of the slave was inferior.
No special conditions caused it.
He was to serve.
(vs 24) "Which...an allegory" -- Taking a true historical fact and
teaching a present lesson. Not that it all happened in
order to teach Paul' lesson, but Paul was using it to
teach one.
"For these are the two covenants" Not that Ishmael and Isaac
were literally two covenants, but would represent the
two covenants.
Cf. "This is my body, my blood..." Matthew 26:26.
"Two covenants" --
(1) Made on Mt. Sinai; the Law of Moses; Mosical.
(2) Sealed by the blood of Christ; Law of the gospel.
"Bondage" -- Those born under the Law were slaves to the Law. In
bondage to its strict and stern commandments.
Cf. 5:1 -- Law was a yoke of bondage; Already seen this --
obey or die.
"which is Hagar" -- Hagar and child Ishmael represents this
covenant.
(vs 25) "For this Hagar is Sinai..." Hagar represents the Law given at
Mount Sinai.
"And answereth to Jerusalem which now is"-- Jerusalem was then
under bondage, not free. Compares the Law of bondage to
Jerusalem in bondage of Rome.
"In bondage" -- Shows those under the Law were still in bondage
Today: If one seeks requirements of the Law, he is in
bondage of the Law.
"her children" -- Those produced by her; inhabited by them.
(vs 26) "But the Jerusalem above..." Spiritual Jerusalem, true church
Jerusalem was a place where God was worshipped.
Likewise, the church today is where God is worshipped.
Hebrews 12:22.
"Is free.." The spirit of the gospel is freedom.
"Mother of us all" -- We were begotten by the word. 1 Pet. 1:21,
22; John 5:5. Jew and Gentile
(vs 27) Shows the Joy of having Gentiles likewise as children.
(Isa.54:1)
Rejoicing mother over many new children.
(vs 28) "Now we, brethren, as Isaac was..." True Christians.
Brought about by promise. Gen. 3:15; 12:1-4.
(vs 29) Isaac was persecuted by Ishmael. Gen. 21:9.
Hagar and Ishmael were expelled from Abraham's house
because of it. Gen. 21:10.
"Even so now" The Christians were persecuted by Jews.
Gentiles very seldom stirred up trouble.
(vs 30) "What saith the scripture" -- The scriptures teach the results.
"Cast out the bondwoman"
Sarah requested this of Abraham. Gen 21:10.
The one of flesh and bondage was cast out.
So then and today -- Bondage is not part of the gospel.
Law of Bondage cannot have any part with the freedom of the
Gospel.
(vs 31) Conclusion to the allegory.
We are of Christ and freedom, not of Law and slavery.
COMPARISON
Hagar and Ishmael Sarah and Isaac
³
1. Bondwoman ³ 1. Freewoman
2. Born after the flesh ³ 2. Born after promise
3. Old Covenant ³ 3. New Covenant
4. Earthly Jerusalem (worship) ³ 4. New Jerusalem (spiritual
³ worship)
5. Earthly chosen people ³ 5. True chosen people -- Church
1. The two cannot exist together
2. The two cannot be heir together.
3. God cast off the old so the true promise could come.
4. Not of bondwoman, but of promise (FREE)
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