The Book of
Galatians 4
31 verses≈ 5 min1 personBSB
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In this chapter
Where we are
- 1:1–10No other gospelGrace, not a different message
- 1:11–2Paul's storyA gospel from God, not from men
- 3–4Faith, not lawSons of Abraham through faithChapter 4
- 5–6Free in ChristWalk by the Spirit, serve in love
Sons and Heirs
What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father.
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So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world.
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.
Galatians 4:4–5
And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.
From slave to heir
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Paul tells the whole story in seven lines. An heir who is still a child lives under rules like a servant. Then the date comes: God sends His Son to buy us out, adopts us, and sends His Spirit so we can call Him Father. The end of the line is “a son” and “an heir.”
Reflect
Son, not servant
Paul says, “you are no longer a slave, but a son.” Some believers still relate to God like hired help, working hard and hoping to be kept on. Where do you live more like a servant than a child? Write it down, and then write the words “Abba, Father!” beside it.
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain.
now that you know God, or rather are known by God
Galatians 4:9
I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong.
Those people are zealous for you, but not in a good way. Instead, they want to isolate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose—at any time, and not only when I am with you.
My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.
Galatians 4:19–20
Question
Quick question
Paul remembers how the Galatians treated him when he first arrived, ill and weak.
How does Paul say the Galatians first welcomed him?
Hagar and Sarah
Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand what the law says?
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise.
These things serve as illustrations, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present-day Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children.
Two women, two covenants
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Paul says these things “serve as illustrations.” One line runs from the slave woman to Sinai and slavery: belonging to God by keeping the law. The other runs from the free woman and a son born by God’s promise to “the Jerusalem above,” which “is free.” That is where believers in Christ belong.
Pray
Children of promise
Isaac was born because God kept His word, not because anyone managed it. Thank God that you belong to Him the same way: by promise, not by effort. Ask Him to keep you from ever trying to earn what He has already given, and to help you live as a child of “the free woman.”
But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written:
“Rejoice, O barren woman,
who bears no children;
break forth and cry aloud,
you who have never travailed;
because more are the children of the desolate woman
than of her who has a husband.”
0:18
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise
Galatians 4:28
At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now.
But what does the Scripture say? “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.
we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman
Galatians 4:31
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Galatians 4
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A verse to carry with you
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.
Galatians 4:4–5
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