Freedom Is Already Ours Series

Freedom is Already Ours

Galatians, Part 9

Galatians 4:21 – 5:1

Introduction

- Purpose of the letter

1. To teach

2. To correct

3. To point us to Jesus

- Recap from last week:

- IMP: We ought to be able to show the world who we serve by our actions/words

- This is the encouragement Paul gives the church; to live fully for God always

-- 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

- For example, Paul’s encouragement is not how we would take a cup of coffee

• There is no sin found in wanting some sugar in your coffee

• Nor is drinking black coffee any more spiritual than flavored creamer

- But how we would live our lives for Christ; focused intently on Him always

- Read Galatians 4:21-31

- Pray

∆ Point 1 - Scripture Testifies to Scripture (21-27)

- Following his personal appeal to the church, Paul now makes a scriptural appeal

-- This appeal is based on scriptural doctrine, which the church was built on

-- It is critical for you and I to understand this and stand firm on this teaching

- IMP: Remember, scripture ALWAYS testifies to scripture (it is God’s testimony)

-- If you cannot find it in scripture, that is an implied CAUTION to your action

-- John 5:39, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.”

- His first inquiry is a question … do you want to be under the Law? (v21)

-- Many even wish they could’ve been part of the first century church

-- While we all wish things were simpler, but the Law was anything but simple!

- It is written (v22) – this is a factual account that we can verify

-- There was a man named Abraham, and he had two sons (one out of wedlock)

-- This is not only biblical, but historical as well if we researched

- Now watch how Paul reminds the church of how they came to be (v23)

-- Re: Abraham decided to hurry up God’s promise, rather than waiting on Him

-- The first son was born out of fleshly desires; 2nd out of divine promise

- This is what gets believers into trouble on a regular basis; we rush God’s timing

-- When God makes a promise we try to make things happen in our time

-- This action always gets us into a bind; especially when it’s a desire we have

-- EX: Abraham figured he’d give God a nudge, and help Him out a little bit

-- But consider the implication: Does God need our help to get things done? No!

-- Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

- As Paul delivers this message to the Galatians, he makes this point strongly

-- IMP: If you make things happen, God is not obligated to bless it …

-- Said another way: Just because you want it, doesn’t mean God has to do it

∆ CHANGE SLIDE

- Therefore, because of Abraham’s “rushing to get things done”; consequences

-- This story could actually be the named, “The Story of Two Families”

-- These sons are the foundations of two religions we know so well

• Isaac: Jews claim they descend from this promise (divine)

• Ishmael: Muslims claim they descend from this promise (man-made)

- v25 tells us that Hagar and her children represents slavery; bondage in sin

- However, Sarah delivers the promise of God; her heirs are considered free

-- APP: Is it any wonder that these two religions have so many troubles today?

- Then Paul quotes Isaiah 54:1 (v27); Why? B/C in God there is complete joy

-- In God there is satisfaction and delight and we are reminded to trust in Him

- There are shouts for joy when the Lord brings forth a promise

-- Hence the reminder (v21): “… are you not aware of what the law says?”

- We should desire the things of God when He delivers them; not beforehand

-- Our hearts should rejoice when His promises are delivered to us

-- Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

- TRANS: If we will trust in the Lord, there is freedom that only He brings

∆ Point 2 - Freedom is Already Ours (28-31)

- Paul now completes the thought of scripture’s promise with a homerun

-- (v28) We are NOT children of the bond servant; but children of promise