As we seek to gather in our hearts and minds the message of this wonderful book, we can see the heart of it here in the last passage. Just as we need to summarize, so does Paul. Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. As many as …
Sowing and Reaping
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 in accordance with the two “lists” have to associate with one another, both in the world and in the Church. Now what? There is …
Really Obvious
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. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not …
Love and Polemics
We have already 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 great description of the …
Two Ways of Justification
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 is faith which He imparts as a sovereign …
All Spiritual Wisdom
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. Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two …
Christ Formed in You
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 relationship with Paul himself. Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for …
The Old Elements and the New Christian Aeon
In this epistle to the Galatians, 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. Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye …
A Billionaire in the High Chair
We continue our discussion of the relationship of the old Israel and the new Israel. And in making the obvious comparisons, Paul changes the figure slightly. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and …
More on Promise and Law
If our salvation is based on promise, not upon law, then what is the law for then? What is based on the law? What role does it have? Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by …