Galatians 4:21-31

Galatians 4:21-31 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Sarah and Hagar: Two Covenants

21 Tell me, those of you who want to be under the law, don’t you hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and the other by a free woman. 23 But the one by the slave was born according to the impulse of the flesh, while the one by the free woman was born as the result of a promise. 24 These things are illustrations,[a]for the women represent the two covenants. One is from Mount Sinaiand bears children into slavery—this is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written:

Rejoice, childless woman,

who does not give birth.

Burst into song and shout,

you who are not in labor,

for the children of the desolate are many,

more numerous than those

of the woman who has a husband.[b]

28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as then the child born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, so also now. 30 But what does the Scripture say?

Drive out the slave and her son, for the son of the slave will never be a coheir with the son of the free woman.[c]

31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.

Questions:

1.Who were Abraham’s slave wife, and who was her son, who was Abraham’s free wife and whose was her son?

A= Abraham’s slave wife and son was Hagar and Ishmael.  Abraham and his free wife were Sarah and Issac.

2. Why did God give Sarah, Abraham’s freeborn wife, a son?

A=God gave Sarah a son because he had promised Abraham a son, but Abraham and Sarah doubted him. They doubted him because Sarah was very old and Isaac was a miracle child.

3. In verse 24, what do the two women, Sarah and Hagar, represent?

A= Both of the women represent God’s two covenants. The slaved wife, Hagar, represents Mount Sinai where the the old testament rules were given to moses and were being promoted by the jewish leaders in Jersulem. While the freeborn wife illustrates the heavenly Jerusalem.

4. What is Jerusalem above?

A= Jerusalem above is represented by Sarah and Isaac and freedom in Christ, God’s kingdom or heaven.

5. Just like Ishmael had to be driven away for persecuting Isaac, who does Paul think needs to be driven away for persecuting the Galatian Churches?

A= Paul thinks that the rule enforcers about the law needed to be driven out.

6. Are we children of the enslaved women, Hagar?

A= No, we are children of the free women just like Isaac, the child born by the power of spirit. We are not a slave, but free children of God and his spirit.

Summary

            Abraham had two sons, one with a slave, Hagar, and one with a free woman, Sarah. Hagar was beared into slavery with her children.  Hagar had Ishmael, and Sarah had Isaac.  Ishmael was born according to the impulse of the flesh, while Isaac was born as the result of a promise.  God gave Sarah a son because he had promised Abraham a son.  Sarah and Abraham doubted God  because Abraham and Sarah were to old.  God says to drive out Hagar and Ishmael because the son of a slave will never be a coheir with the son of a free woman.

Prayer

            Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that we can pray to a holy God. Thank you that you can allow us to call you “dad”, even though you are beyond more perfect than us. I pray that we will grow in wisdom as students at Riverview, so we can share our faith with others. Help us not to be ashamed of speaking the truth, but stand up for faith in you Lord. Give us words that are gracious and kind so that people will see Jesus’s love shine through us. Also, help us to remember to pray steadfastly for our friends and family around us. I thank you for Mr.Alfaro and his commitment to FCA and our freedom in the USA to speak your name without being afraid of persecution. Help us to take something out of what we learned today and show it on the mission field. Help the athletes to do their best, as we take on the Fugman Marlins and glorify you through it. Help us to be lights on our campus. In your name we pray, Amen.

Galatians 4:8-20

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

8 But in the past, when you didn’t know God, you were enslaved to things[c] that by nature are not gods. 9 But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt elemental forces? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? 10 You observe special days, months, seasons, and years. 11 I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.

12 I beg you, brothers: Become like me, for I also became like you. You have not wronged me; 13 you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a physical illness. 14 You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you.[d] On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.

15 What happened to this sense of being blessed you had? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?17 They[e] are enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them. 18 Now it is always good to be enthusiastic about good—and not just when I am with you. 19 My children, I am again suffering labor pains for you until Christ is formed in you. 20 I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you

Questions and answers,

Q: In verse nine why do you think Paul says,”But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt elemental forces?

A:Paul wants to know why people are turning back to their old, unjust ways and not keeping their relationship with God.

Q: Why does Paul speak to the people of Galatia like they are brothers.

A: Paul wants them to know that he once was like them and that they can change like him. He is human just like all of us.

Q: How do you think Paul feels when he is talking.

A: Paul feels a little disappointed because he has a feeling that all his labor has been wasted.

Q:Why does Paul wish he could be with the people he is talking to right now.

A: Paul wishes he could be with the people of Galatia because he does not know what to do with them.

Summary,

            Paul starts off this passage by asking the people of Galatia why are they willing to give up their relationship with God for the unjust life they had before. Also he begs them to be like him because he was once like them.

He wants them to do it like he did it. He knows how it felt to become saved and wants people to get that feeling of relief that God will always be there for you. He tells them he is suffering labor pains for them until they accept God into their heart.

Prayer,

            Dear God, thank you for this wonderful day. Thank you for Mr. Alfaro always enhancing our knowledge of you. He has been a great mentor for everyone. He has taught us well so we not only lights on campus but also outside of school. Help us have a great gameday and help us do well on our test. . Please help us with our struggles and even if we are going through tough times help us know it is always for the best.Please help us know that our mistakes in life are what make us human, and thats ok. God we are your students and you are our teacher we want to choose the right path in life so we can follow you and be like paul. God please forgive of our sins look into our hearts we make you my lord and savior. And all god’s people say , Amen

Galatians 4 :1-7

Galatians 4:1-7 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

4 1 Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner of everything. 2 Instead, he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elemental forces[a] of the world. 4 When the time came to completion, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our[b]hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave but a son,and if a son, then an heir through God.

Q 1.   What is a heir?

A 1. A heir is someone who inherits or has the right of inheritance in property or another following the letters of death.

Q 2. What are elemental forces?

A 2. The elemental forces are the basic principles of the world. They are like the opposite of what God wants.

Q 3.   What does paul mean when she says,” God sent his son, born of woman under the law.”

A- Paul means that God sent his son Jesus down to earth born from Mary to those who sin.

Q 4.     Where did God send the spirit of his son?

A- Into our hearts

Q 5.  Who calls out Abba, Father?

A- God’s Spirit

Q 6. What does Paul mean when he says , “so you are no longer a slave but a son.”

A- Paul means that you will be born into God’s kingdom and become a son or daughter of God.

Summary

When the time came for Jesus to come and die on the cross, God sent him down , born as a Child, to redeem those under the law. So that we will receive adoption into God's kingdom , heaven , as sons and daughters of Jesus Christ.