Introduction: In Galatians 4, the Apostle Paul continues his passionate teaching of what it means to live under grace rather than the law. As spiritual children of God, believers have a relationship with God, where they are no longer slaves but sons and daughters, heirs to His promises. Through Paul’s teaching in Galatians, we as believers should be encouraged to embrace our identity in Christ and to stand firm in the freedom that the Gospel gives us in our life.
I. Galatians 4:1-7 – No Longer Slaves to Sin
These verses compares the life under the law to that of an heir as long as he is a child, having no real difference from a slave. However, when the time had come, God sent His Son and the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, enabling us to call out to God as “Abba, Father (Abba: Aramaic for Father) . ” As a result, we are no longer slaves but children and heirs through God. We read in Romans 8:15-17, the Bible tells us of the Spirit (Holy Spirit) we received that allows us to call God “Abba, Father,” which is to say Father, Father. Also we find in Ephesians 1:5, where the Bible mentions that we were predestined for adoption to sonship, no longer a lost sheep, but found and saved. We also read in John 1:12-13, the Bible points out the right to become children of God to those who believe in His name, this is speaking of the principle of spiritual adoption.
II. Galatians 4:8-11 – Galatians Turn Back to Law
In these verses, Paul shows his concern for the Galatians who, after knowing God (or being known by Him), are turning back to weak and miserable ways of the world, living under the law. He fears that his work among them may have been wasted. We can see in 1 Corinthians 8:3, that God knows those who love Him, which should bring comfort to those who might feel tempted to return to their old ways. We read in Colossians 2:20, the Bible speaks against submitting to the basic ways of the world after having died with Christ to the world, exactly what Paul is talking about here. Finally, Hebrews 6:4-6 warns of the dangers of falling away after having tasted the heavenly gift, which is why Paul fears for the Galatians.
III. Galatians 4:12-20 – Paul Perplexed by Galatians Return to Legalism
Here, Paul speaks to the Galatians as a spiritual brother, reminding them of how they received him despite his infirmity and treated him as an angel or even as good as Christ Jesus. Paul even goes as far as to say, they would have plucked their eyes out for him. He wonders how their attitude has changed and is perplexed by their willingness to return to legalism. He has a deep concern for them, akin to a mother in childbirth, until Christ is formed in them again. The Bible tells us in Philippians 3:18-19, there are many enemies of the cross of Christ, which could be what is going on here with the Galatians, being influenced by false doctrine. We read in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, where Paul has a like concern for the Thessalonian church, he shared not only the gospel with them, but his life as well. Paul was affectionate toward all the churches he started as we can see in 2 Corinthians 11:2-3, he feels a godly jealousy for the believers and especially for the ones he ministered to.
IV. Galatians 4:21-31
In these verses, Paul uses the story of Sarah and Hagar as an example of living under the covenant of the promise and living under the law. He explains that Hagar represents the old covenant of Sinai, which leads to slavery, while Sarah represents the new covenant that brings freedom. This example encourages the Galatians to be children of the free woman, not the slave, and to live in the freedom of Christ. Romans 9:7-8 says that it’s not the natural children who are God’s children, but those of the promise which are Abraham’s offspring. We read in Galatians 3:29, the Bible says believers that if they belong to Christ, they are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. Also in Hebrews 12:22-24, we see the joyous assembly in the heavenly Jerusalem, contrasting the fear of Mount Sinai, which further points out the difference between the two covenants.
Conclusion: In Galatians 4, Paul calls on the Galatians to remember their true identity as children of the free woman, heirs to the promise of salvation through faith in Christ. He contrasts the slavery of the law with the freedom of grace, urging believers to stand firm and not return to the bondage of legalism. This chapter reminds us of our adoption as God’s children, the danger of turning back to empty principles, the deep concern of spiritual leaders for their flock, and the power of the promise over the law. Let us hold tight to our freedom and inheritance in Christ, always aware of the great price of our spiritual liberty and the joy of our salvation.
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