Galatians 4
BSB1 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. 2 He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father. 3 So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world. 4 But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!" 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God. 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9 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? 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11 I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain. 12 I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. 13 You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14 And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself. 15 What then has become of your blessing? For I can testify that, if it were 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 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. 18 Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose—at any time, and not only when I am with you. 19 My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you. 21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise. 24 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. 25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present-day Jerusalem, because 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, 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." 28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now. 30 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." 31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.
Study Notes — Galatians 4
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Galatians 4
- Themes from Galatians 4
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Galatians 4
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Galatians chapter 4 begins by explaining that before faith came, believers were in bondage to the elementary principles of the world, but with the arrival of faith, they became sons of God (Galatians 4:1-7). Paul then uses the allegory of Hagar and Sarah to contrast the covenant of law with the covenant of promise, emphasizing that believers are children of the free woman, Sarah, and thus heirs of God's promise (Galatians 4:21-31). The chapter concludes with a call to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has given, and not to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Galatians 4:8-20, 4:31). Key verses such as Galatians 4:4-5 and Galatians 4:28 highlight the central theme of freedom in Christ and the believer's identity as a child of God.
Context for the Chapter
Galatians chapter 4 is part of Paul's larger argument in the book of Galatians, which is to establish the superiority of the gospel of grace over the law. The chapter follows Paul's explanation of the purpose of the law and the arrival of faith, and precedes his discussion of the believer's walk in the Spirit. In the larger biblical narrative, this chapter is connected to the themes of redemption and adoption found in Romans 8:14-17 and Ephesians 1:3-14. The chapter also alludes to the Old Testament concept of covenant, as seen in Genesis 15:1-6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
Heart Application
This chapter calls believers to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has given, and not to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. It emphasizes the importance of understanding one's position as a child of God and heir to His promises, and of living in accordance with this truth. As believers, we are encouraged to walk in the Spirit, being guided by the principles of grace and freedom, rather than the law.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Galatians chapter 4 is about the freedom that believers have in Christ, and how this freedom is contrasted with the bondage of the law. As believers, we are children of God and heirs of His promises, and we should live in accordance with this truth (Galatians 4:7). We should stand firm in the freedom that Christ has given us, and not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Galatians 4:31).
Voices from the Church
“The covenant of promise is the foundation of our salvation, and it is through this covenant that we are adopted as sons of God and become partakers of the divine nature.”
— John Calvin
“The believer's position as a child of God is a glorious one, and it is through this position that we are heirs of God's promises and partakers of the divine nature.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Chapter (Galatians 4:1-7) — The chapter begins by explaining that before faith came, believers were in bondage to the elementary principles of the world, but with the arrival of faith, they became sons of God.
- The Allegory of Hagar and Sarah (Galatians 4:21-31) — Paul uses the allegory of Hagar and Sarah to contrast the covenant of law with the covenant of promise, emphasizing that believers are children of the free woman, Sarah.
- The Believer's Position as a Child of God (Galatians 4:4-7) — The chapter emphasizes the believer's position as a child of God, highlighting their adoption as sons and their inheritance of God's promises.
- The Call to Stand Firm in Freedom (Galatians 4:8-20, 4:31) — The chapter concludes with a call to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has given, and not to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
- Conclusion (Galatians 4:28-31) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the believer's position as a child of the free woman, Sarah, and their inheritance of God's promises.
Core Doctrines
- Justification by Faith
- This chapter teaches that justification is by faith alone, and that the law has no role in the believer's justification (Galatians 4:4-5).
- Adoption as Sons
- The chapter emphasizes the doctrine of adoption, highlighting that believers are adopted as sons of God and become partakers of the divine nature (Galatians 4:7).
- The Covenant of Promise
- The chapter teaches that the covenant of promise is the foundation of the believer's salvation, and that it is through this covenant that we are heirs of God's promises (Galatians 4:21-31).
- The Freedom of the Believer
- The chapter emphasizes the freedom that believers have in Christ, and how this freedom is contrasted with the bondage of the law (Galatians 4:8-20, 4:31).
Lessons from Galatians 4
- The Importance of Understanding Our Position as Children of God — This chapter teaches us that understanding our position as children of God is crucial to living a life of freedom and obedience to God.
- The Danger of Returning to the Law — The chapter warns us of the danger of returning to the law, and emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the freedom that Christ has given us.
- The Significance of the Covenant of Promise — The chapter teaches us that the covenant of promise is the foundation of our salvation, and that it is through this covenant that we are heirs of God's promises.
- The Role of Faith in Our Justification — The chapter emphasizes that justification is by faith alone, and that the law has no role in the believer's justification.
- The Importance of Living in Accordance with Our Position as Children of God — The chapter calls us to live in accordance with our position as children of God, and to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has given us.
Themes from Galatians 4
- Freedom in Christ — The chapter explores the concept of freedom in Christ, and how this freedom is contrasted with the bondage of the law.
- The Covenant of Promise — The chapter teaches that the covenant of promise is the foundation of our salvation, and that it is through this covenant that we are heirs of God's promises.
- Adoption as Sons — The chapter emphasizes the doctrine of adoption, highlighting that believers are adopted as sons of God and become partakers of the divine nature.
- The Importance of Understanding Our Position as Children of God — The chapter teaches us that understanding our position as children of God is crucial to living a life of freedom and obedience to God.
- The Danger of Returning to the Law — The chapter warns us of the danger of returning to the law, and emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the freedom that Christ has given us.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the difference between being a slave to the law and being a son of God?
- How does the allegory of Hagar and Sarah illustrate the contrast between the covenant of law and the covenant of promise?
- What is the significance of the believer's position as a child of God, and how should this truth impact our daily lives?
- How can we stand firm in the freedom that Christ has given us, and not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage?
- What is the relationship between the covenant of promise and the believer's inheritance of God's promises?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Chapter (Galatians 4:1-7)
| 4:1 | The chapter begins by explaining that before faith came, believers were in bondage to the elementary principles of the world. |
| 4:2 | But with the arrival of faith, they became sons of God, and were no longer under the law. |
| 4:3 | The law was added because of transgressions, until the Seed should come to whom the promise was made. |
| 4:4 | But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. |
| 4:5 | To redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. |
| 4:6 | And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!' |
| 4:7 | Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. |
2. The Allegory of Hagar and Sarah (Galatians 4:21-31)
| 4:21 | Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? |
| 4:22 | For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. |
| 4:23 | But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise. |
| 4:24 | Which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar. |
| 4:25 | For this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. |
| 4:26 | But the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. |
| 4:27 | For it is written: 'Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear; Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor; For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband.' |
| 4:28 | Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. |
| 4:29 | But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. |
| 4:30 | Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? 'Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.' |
| 4:31 | So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the allegory of Hagar and Sarah in Galatians 4?
The allegory of Hagar and Sarah is used to contrast the covenant of law with the covenant of promise, emphasizing that believers are children of the free woman, Sarah, and heirs of God's promises (Galatians 4:21-31).
How does the concept of adoption as sons relate to our position as children of God?
The concept of adoption as sons emphasizes that believers are adopted as sons of God and become partakers of the divine nature, and that we are no longer slaves but sons and heirs of God through Christ (Galatians 4:4-7).
What is the danger of returning to the law, and how can we avoid it?
The danger of returning to the law is that it leads to bondage and slavery, rather than freedom and sonship (Galatians 4:8-20, 4:31). We can avoid this danger by standing firm in the freedom that Christ has given us, and by living in accordance with our position as children of God.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galatians 4:4 → Genesis 3:15 | The concept of the Seed who would come to redeem those under the law is first mentioned in Genesis 3:15, where God promises to send a Savior to crush the serpent's head. |
| 2 | Galatians 4:6 → Romans 8:14-17 | The concept of adoption as sons and the receiving of the Spirit of God's Son is also mentioned in Romans 8:14-17, where Paul writes that we are led by the Spirit of God and are sons of God. |
| 3 | Galatians 4:21 → Genesis 16:1-16 | The story of Hagar and Sarah is first told in Genesis 16:1-16, where we see the contrast between the covenant of law and the covenant of promise. |
| 4 | Galatians 4:22 → Genesis 21:1-21 | The story of Isaac and Ishmael is also relevant to the allegory of Hagar and Sarah, as it illustrates the contrast between the covenant of law and the covenant of promise. |
| 5 | Galatians 4:24 → Exodus 19:1-25 | The giving of the law on Mount Sinai is described in Exodus 19:1-25, where we see the covenant of law being established. |
| 6 | Galatians 4:26 → Hebrews 12:22-24 | The concept of the Jerusalem above is also mentioned in Hebrews 12:22-24, where we see that it is the city of the living God and the church of the firstborn. |
| 7 | Galatians 4:27 → Isaiah 54:1 | The quote from Isaiah 54:1 is used to illustrate the idea that the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband, emphasizing the fruitfulness of the covenant of promise. |
| 8 | Galatians 4:30 → Genesis 21:10 | The command to cast out the bondwoman and her son is first given in Genesis 21:10, where we see the contrast between the covenant of law and the covenant of promise. |
| 9 | Galatians 4:4 → John 1:1 | The concept of the Seed who would come to redeem those under the law is also mentioned in John 1:1, where we see that Jesus is the Word who was with God in the beginning. |
| 10 | Galatians 4:6 → Ephesians 1:3-14 | The concept of adoption as sons and the receiving of the Spirit of God's Son is also mentioned in Ephesians 1:3-14, where Paul writes that we are chosen and adopted as sons of God through Jesus Christ. |
Sermons on Galatians 4
| Sermon | Description | |
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Released Now From the Bondage of Depression by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the coming of the Holy Ghost and the importance of recognizing its presence. The sermon emphasizes the love and grace of God, and the need |
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A Message for Christians Who Have Bad Days by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of inheritance and how believers can come out of difficult times. He refers to Galatians 4:1, which states that as long as an he |
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Let God Be in You by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God has chosen individuals from seemingly ordinary and unpromising backgrounds to serve Him. He encourages the audience, whether they a |
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Christian Freedom: Grow Up and Be Free by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon on Galatians 4:1-18, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity in experiencing freedom in Christ. He distinguishes between age and maturity, statin |
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Adopted by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of adoption as it relates to believers in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of being part of the family of God and the pe |
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Grow Up and Be Free by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the theme of freedom and maturity in the context of the book of Galatians. The main message is that growing up spiritually leads to freedom i |
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Galatians - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the preaching of the Apostle Paul and his ability to confound intellectuals with the message of the Resurrection. The speaker emphasizes the |
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Christ the Man #1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning and remembering spiritual principles. He highlights the story of a man who relied on the Lord and experienced divi |
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Self Dies Hard by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, Dr. Ellen Redpath discusses the story of Abraham and Sarah and their journey of faith. She highlights how Abraham's decision to take Hagar as his wife represented a |
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Christian Love That Defies Description by Francis Chan | This sermon shares a powerful testimony of a baptism where a girl, Sabrina, owned her faith as her own, not just inherited from her parents. It highlights the miraculous story of h |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Galatians 4
In this chapter, Paul teaches us that the law was given to lead us to Christ, and that now that faith has come, we are no longer under the law. He uses the allegory of Hagar and Sarah to illustrate the contrast between the covenant of law and the covenant of promise, emphasizing that believers are children of the free woman, Sarah. The chapter concludes with a call to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has given us, and not to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The difference between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace is, that the one is a covenant of debt, the other a covenant of promise.' (Commentary on Galatians 4:21-31). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Contrast between Law and Promise
The chapter presents a clear contrast between the covenant of law and the covenant of promise, emphasizing that believers are heirs of the promise and not bound by the law.
Use of Allegory
Paul uses the allegory of Hagar and Sarah to illustrate the contrast between the covenant of law and the covenant of promise, highlighting the believer's position as a child of the free woman, Sarah.
Emphasis on Sonship
The chapter places a strong emphasis on the believer's position as a child of God, highlighting their adoption as sons and their inheritance of God's promises.