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Welcome to Day 5 of our journey through Galatians! Today, we focus on Galatians 4:1-31, where Paul speaks about living in the freedom we have in Christ. This chapter explores our identity as heirs of God, Paul’s deep concern for the Galatians, and the allegory of Hagar and Sarah, illustrating the difference between living under the law and living in the promise.
Heirs of God
Paul begins by emphasizing that we are no longer slaves but children of God, and as children, we are heirs. In Galatians 4:4-7, he writes, “But when the set 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 adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”
This profound truth reminds us that through Christ, we have been adopted into God’s family. We are no longer bound by the law or our past; we have a new identity and inheritance in Christ.
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
Paul’s letter reflects his deep concern for the Galatians who are being swayed by false teachings. In Galatians 4:8-11, he expresses his frustration and worry: “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 miserable forces? 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 somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.”
Paul’s concern is a powerful reminder for us to remain steadfast in our faith and not be swayed by teachings that take us away from the truth of the gospel. His heartfelt plea encourages us to stay grounded in our freedom in Christ.
Allegory of Hagar and Sarah
To illustrate the difference between living under the law and living in the promise, Paul uses the allegory of Hagar and Sarah. Hagar, the slave woman, represents the old covenant of the law given at Mount Sinai, leading to bondage. Sarah, the free woman, represents the new covenant of grace and the promise given to Abraham.
In Galatians 4:28-31, Paul concludes, “Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. But what does Scripture say? ‘Get rid of 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 and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.”
This allegory emphasizes that we are children of the promise, not of the law. We are called to live in the freedom that Christ has secured for us, free from the bondage of legalism and sin.
Conclusion
Galatians 4 challenges us to embrace our identity as heirs of God and to live in the freedom of the promise. Paul’s teachings remind us of the transformative power of the gospel and the importance of staying true to the message of grace.
Call to Action: Share ways you have experienced freedom in Christ in your daily life. How has understanding your identity as an heir of God impacted your walk with Him? Let’s encourage one another by sharing our stories and insights in the comments below.
Join us tomorrow as we explore Galatians 5 and the power of living by the Spirit. Our journey through Galatians continues to deepen our understanding of the freedom and grace we have in Christ.