INTRODUCTION Paul has already told us that the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit are inconsistent with one another. But a problem is caused because people who live according to the two "lists" have to associate with one another, both in the world and in the … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION The principle is firmly established already. Paul is building up to the point that false religion is the foundation of all false living. Just as believing lives are built upon the truth of God, so false lives are built on the lies of righteousness-mongers. THE … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION We have seen that the lines of descent from Sarah and Hagar are fluid. We are now coming to the great truth that the family resemblance borne in these lines is also obvious. Sons of Abraham do the works of Abraham. The text today closes on the threshold of Paul’s … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION The lines of descent from Sarah and Hagar are fluid. In other words, physical sons of Sarah can become Ishmaelites through unbelief. Physical sons of Hagar can come in faith to Christ and be adopted into Israel. That which God uses to determine which way it goes … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION The meaning of the two sons in this passage is absolutely basic to all spiritual wisdom. If we listen to carnal whispers will get this all tangled up—and we must not. THE TEXT: Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION The outline of Paul’s appeal is now plain. He then turns to make a personal appeal to the Galatians. Their potential apostasy involves much more than simply following an argument—although it includes that. That "much more" has to do with their personal … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION Not only do we have a contrast between the old Israel and the new, we also have a contrast between the old world and the new, between the old heavens and old earth, and the new heavens and the new earth. THE TEXT: Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION We continue our discussion of the relationship of the old Israel and the new Israel. In making the obvious comparisons, Paul changes the figure slightly. THE TEXT: Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION If our salvation is based on promise, not upon law, then what is the law for? What is based on the law? What role does it have? THE TEXT: Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise … [Read more...]