Bible Passage: Galatians 4

Big Idea: The liberation from the law leads us into a deeper understanding and experience of our identity as children of God, equipping us to live in the freedom of grace rather than the bondage of works.

Opening Thoughts

One of the tragedies of being enslaved by legalism is that it makes a person look like they are spiritually mature when, in fact, legalism leads them back into slavery. When you are consumed by legalism you are unable to enjoy the true freedom that salvation offers.

Galatians 4 concludes the second major section in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. In chapters 1 and 2 Paul proves the authenticity of his apostleship. Chapters 3 and 4 focus on Paul defense of the gospel’s message, presenting nine arguments that demonstrate the superiority of the gospel of grace over the gospel of the law. In doing so, Paul systematically dismantles the teachings advanced by the Judaizers.

In Galatians 4, Paul explores the transition from the Old Covenant of the Law, which puts people in bondage, to the New Covenant of grace, which brings believers into a right relationship with God as heirs and sons through Christ. Legalism can present an appearance of spiritual maturity while actually resulting in a return to restrictive practices, preventing individuals from experiencing the genuine freedom offered by salvation.

Slavery to Sonship

Galatians 4:1–7

¹ I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything,² but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. ³ In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. ⁴ But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were 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 hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”⁷ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

In Galatians 4:1-7, Paul vividly illustrates our transition from being slaves to heirs. Imagine a child who grows up in a wealthy household, yet until reaching maturity, is treated no differently than the servants. Likewise, before we accepted Christ, we lived under the law, bound by our sins. But upon faith in Christ, we became God’s heirs, inheriting eternal life and His promises, moving from bondage to freedom. This emphasizes the gravity of our redemption in Christ.

During Paul’s day while an heir was still a child he lived and functioned as a slave until the time his father decided that the heir was mature enough to become a man. As a child, a guardian controlled the heir’s every movement. The transition from childhood to adulthood was clearly defined in most cultures.

• For a Jewish boy that day would have been the first sabbath after his 12th birthday. He would become “a son of the law.”
• In Greece, a boy was under his father’s care from the age of 7 until he was 18. He then became what was called an ephebos, which may be translated as cadet, and for two years he was under the direction of the state.
• Under Roman law, the year at which a boy became an adult was not definitely fixed, but it was always between the ages of 14 and 17. At a sacred festival given by the family called the Liberalia, he took off the toga praetexta, which was a toga with a narrow purple band at the foot of it, and put on the toga virilis, which was a plain toga worn by adults.

Paul draws the analogy between the life of a believer and that of a child. Prior to the completed work of Christ on the cross, individuals were subject to the “elementary principles of the world,” which are present in various human religions as the pursuit of divine acceptance through personal effort. For the Jewish people, this entailed adherence to the Law. God instituted the Law to reveal humanity’s inherent sinfulness and inability to attain His perfect standard independently. At the appointed time within God’s sovereign plan, He sent His Son. Through the redemption accomplished by Jesus on the cross, believers are granted the privilege of addressing God as Father and transition from a state of servitude to becoming heirs of the Kingdom. Paul emphasizes that while striving for righteousness (fulfilling the Law) is commendable, being loved and cared for by God the Father represents a far greater blessing.

Paul’s message to the Galatians extends to all believers: in Christ, believers are no longer slaves but are recognized as sons and heirs. Under grace, there has been a transformation from bondage under the law to the status of children and heirs with full rights and privileges. Consequently, Paul questions the rationale for reverting to the constraints of legalism when such a close and personal relationship with God—as that between a parent and child—is now available to all who believe.

Avoid Ancient Bondage

Galatians 4:8–20

⁸ Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods.⁹ But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?¹⁰ You observe days and months and seasons and years! ¹¹ I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain. ¹² Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. ¹³ You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, ¹⁴ and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶ Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?¹⁷ They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. ¹⁸ It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, ¹⁹ my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! ²⁰ I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Paul transitions from presenting a theological argument against returning to legalism to making a personal inquiry regarding the Galatians’ decision to revert. He reminds them that prior to embracing the gospel, they were subject to servitude under pagan deities. Through the gospel, God initiated a personal relationship characterized by love, enabling true knowledge of Him. Legalism, which neither achieves righteousness nor offers freedom, , is no longer binding upon them. Despite this, the Judaizers persuaded the Galatians that observing the Mosaic Calendar was essential to obtaining God’s favour.

Paul expressed concern regarding the Galatians’ swift acceptance of the teachings promoted by the Judaizers. He perceived that his efforts to convey the truth had led to his being viewed as an adversary. The Judaizers persuaded the Galatian community that Paul’s apostolic authority was questionable and argued that his gospel, which did not include adherence to the law, was therefore incomplete. As a result, their influence contributed to a shift in the Galatian believers’ attitude toward Paul.

Paul was genuinely worried about how legalism was affecting the Galatians. He warned them that following legalistic rules wouldn’t bring them closer to God, and he feared that if they kept down that road, all his work with them would have been pointless. Not only would his efforts go to waste, but the Galatians would also find themselves caught once again in a restrictive system of rules, missing out on the joy and freedom that comes from a personal connection with Jesus Christ.

Paul warns in Galatians 4:8-20 about the risk of being influenced by false teachings. In a world with many different beliefs, it is important to remain grounded in the truth found in God’s Word. Building a strong foundation through regular Bible study helps you understand Scripture more deeply. If you are faced with conflicting philosophies or misleading ideas, seek guidance from the Holy Spirit for discernment and wisdom. Maintain your faith confidently with confidence amid evolving perspectives, and be prepared to articulate the basis of your hope in Christ in a clear and reasoned manner.

Allegory of Assurance

Galatians 4:21–31

²¹ Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? ²² For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman.²³ But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. ²⁴ Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. ²⁵ Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she 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, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.” ²⁸ Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. ²⁹ But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.³⁰ But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” ³¹ So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.

Paul offers a detailed comparison between grace and law, as well as faith and works. He supports his argument by referencing the narrative of Sarah and Hagar; Sarah is described as Abraham’s wife, while Hagar is identified as his concubine. Through this story, Paul illustrates the concept of enslavement that may occur when individuals attempt to earn salvation through works.

Abraham fathered two sons with two women: Ishmael, born to Hagar (the slave woman), and Isaac, born to Sarah (the freewoman). Paul draws an analogy between these women and two covenants—the covenant of the law and the covenant of grace. Sarah, representing the freewoman, symbolizes the liberty found in salvation through faith, whereas Hagar, the slave, exemplifies the restrictive nature of adherence to the law.

Paul advocates for the Galatians to move beyond legalism and embrace the freedom afforded by faith in Jesus. He explains that adherence to the law is no longer necessary, as believers are liberated through their belief in Christ. Drawing a parallel to the separation of Sarah and Hagar, Paul suggests that legalism and genuine love cannot coexist within the same congregation; a church must either become increasingly rigid and ritualistic, or foster a spirit of openness and compassion. Paul encourages the Galatians to reject the legalistic teachings of the Judaizers, affirming that they are no longer bound by the law but are set free through faith in Jesus Christ’s completed work.

If you find yourself challenged by the pressures of religious practices or traditions within your church, consider the message from Galatians 4:21-31, which contrasts Hagar and Sarah. Sarah embodies the promise of freedom, encouraging you to embrace the liberty available through Christ. By prioritizing inward spiritual transformation over external rituals, you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you towards authentic worship and meaningful service.

Application

As Paul speaks about being heirs through Christ in Galatians 4, consider how often you may allow the pressures of life to overshadow your identity as a child of God. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with work, relationships, or societal expectations, take a moment to reflect on your value in God’s eyes. Create a visual reminder of your identity in Christ, perhaps a scripture verse you can post where you see it daily. This tangible reminder can help refocus your mind on God’s promises and bring peace amidst chaos.

Reflect on how you may be living in spiritual bondage instead of freedom, as described in Galatians 4. Are there harmful habits or past mistakes you hold on to that keep you from fully experiencing God’s grace? This week, spend time in prayer and fasting, asking God to reveal areas of your life that need His freedom. Write down specific actions you will take to break free from these chains, whether it’s seeking accountability or eliminating certain influences from your life.

Discussion Questions

{Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture verses are taken from the English Standard Version}

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