Lecture Notes: Galatians 4 – Children of Promise

Introduction

• Speaker returns from a 12-week sabbatical, grateful to be back.
• Encourages worship and activities like picnics and future mission trips.
• Addresses the congregation’s heavy hearts due to recent losses.
• Focuses on worshiping God despite sorrows and sufferings.

Key Scripture: Galatians 4

• Galatians 4:21-31 and 5:1 are the primary texts.
• The scripture contrasts two women, Hagar and Sarah, representing two covenants.
• Main Theme: In Christ, with Sarah as our mother, we are truly free.

Context from Genesis

• Abraham had two sons – one by Hagar (slave woman), one by Sarah (free woman).
• Ishmael (Hagar’s son) was born according to the flesh.
• Isaac (Sarah’s son) was born according to promise.

Allegory Explained

• Hagar (Slave Woman) Characteristics:

  • Represents the old covenant (Mount Sinai, Mosaic Law).
  • Origin: Children born according to the flesh.
  • Covenant: Represents law, leading to slavery.
  • People: Corresponds to present Jerusalem, enslaved.
  • Status: Represents spiritual slavery and curse.

• Sarah (Free Woman) Characteristics:

  • Represents the new covenant (Jerusalem above, freedom in Christ).
  • Origin: Children born according to the Spirit and promise.
  • Covenant: Represents the new covenant in Christ’s blood.
  • People: Corresponds to the Jerusalem above, free citizens of heaven.
  • Status: Represents spiritual freedom, joy, and rejoicing.

Application and Exhortation

• Remember Your Identity: Christians are children of the promise, free in Christ.
• Fight of Faith: Acknowledge the ongoing spiritual warfare against false teachings and sin.
• Stand Firm in Freedom: Embrace the freedom Christ has given and do not return to the yoke of slavery.

Practical Implications

• Personal Reflection: Examine if you’re relying on works or grace for salvation.
• Community Support: Be aware of others’ struggles and support them in their faith.
• Daily Living: Live out of the rest and joy that comes from being in Christ, not trying to earn God’s favor through works.

Conclusion

• Call to Action: Encourage living in the freedom Christ provides, standing firm against any form of spiritual slavery.
• Final Blessing: Closing words from Galatians 5:1, emphasizing standing firm in the freedom provided by Christ.

Additional Notes

• Encouragement to attend upcoming church events and support fellow members in times of sorrow.
• Specific mention of supporting families who have recently faced bereavement and ensuring community support in their grieving process.
• Emphasis on communal worship and fellowship as a means of mutual encouragement and spiritual growth.