Paul continues the idea of God's family with a powerful metaphor from the law. Hagar is the old covenant, represented by Mount Sinai, and her children are slaves who must try to work their way to heaven by following the law. Romans 3:9-18 tells us that none of Hagar's children make it. It is Hagar, not Sarah, who turns out to be barren when it comes to bearing children into God's family. But we believers are Sarah's children, born into God's family through the promise of God - His grace. The Galatians (and me)) are "all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus (3:26)...Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise". After accepting the promise, how can we go back to Hagar's family, the law (4:21)?
Paul tells the Galatians that they must separate from those who are bringing the false teaching (4:30). Undoubtedly, this was difficult, just like it was for Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmail away. But the consequences are too important. The slave woman's son will *never* share in the inheritance with those who have accepted God's promise through faith in Jesus Christ. And God's children through the promise must not be led astray.
Father God, Your promise is a commitment - a marriage vow to Your church that You will never break. And You are faithful to me even when I am not faithful to my vows to You. I have no way to thank you for wanting to make this commitment to me, but thank You! Please show me today who I can share Your truth with to invite more children into Your family.
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