Who's Your Momma?

 

Most people in prison would rather be free; once they are free, they wouldn't want to return. Anyone who prefers prison over freedom is, in the words of Forrest Gump, "stupid." Paul faced a similar issue with the Galatian church. He asked them why they would go back to living like captives when they had already experienced freedom in Christ. Unfortunately, many Christians today also live like captives instead of experiencing the freedom that comes with a relationship with Christ.

We will study a passage, Galatians 4:21-31, that will help us live free.

The passage comprises three sections: historical, allegorical, and personal. The first observation that will help us live free at last is found in verse twenty-one. We learn in that verse that freedom in Christ is hindered by misunderstanding grace.

Our freedom in Christ is hindered by misunderstanding grace.

Galatians 4:21 ESV

Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law?

Verse 21 of Paul's writing is directed at those who wish to follow the law. Why would you want to go back to a life of sin and slavery when you have the freedom to live a better life? The issue here is Christians who have turned their religion into a legalistic system.

Paul addresses the problem of living in bondage instead of freedom, which is still relevant today. One common misunderstanding of grace is the way you reach God.

Misunderstanding the way to God

Some professing Christians today believe that good works alone can earn them a place in heaven. Some denominations teach that salvation requires both faith in Jesus and good works. Those who believe in Jesus plus their works will not have an eternal destiny with Christ. Salvation comes solely from God's grace, not our efforts, so no one can boast.

A legalistic approach to salvation means that we believe our actions determine our place in heaven. By contrast, the concept of salvation by grace alone means that our faith in Jesus and what he has done determines our eternal destiny.

There is a misunderstanding among some true Christians regarding grace in one's relationship or walk with God.

Misunderstanding the Walk with God

Some Christians believe following rules, traditions, and ceremonies is necessary for their relationship with the Lord. However, this legalistic approach misunderstands the work of grace in our lives. Instead, we are made righteous through what Christ has done for us. We must work out our salvation, understanding that God works in us to do what is good and right.

Our appearance or activities do not determine our relationship with God. Short hair, long dresses, dancing, card games, or watching TV does not affect our intimacy with God. Instead, His Spirit empowers our walk with God and works within us.

The passage teaches that freedom in Christ can be better understood by examining historical events.

Our Freedom in Christ can be Illustrated by Understanding History (22-27)

In verses twenty-two and twenty-three, Paul is going to appeal to history. In doing so, Paul is taking on the enemy, the false teachers, the Judaizers, on their turf. Paul argues that faith in Christ makes a person a true descendant of Abraham. As Paul argues from the turf of his enemies, he begins with a historical event.

Historical Event

Galatians 4:22–23 ESV

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.

What Paul is referencing is found in Genesis chapters fifteen through twenty-one.

There are four characters that we need to identify. Abraham's two sons are Ishmael and Isaac. The two mothers are Hagar and Sarah. Ishmael is the son born to Hagar. Isaac is the Son born to Sarah.

God made a promise to Abraham before either of them was born. At the time, Sarah was unable to conceive a child. However, God assured Abraham that he would have a son who would become his heir. God made a covenant with Abraham to confirm this promise, which is recorded in Genesis chapter fifteen.

After the covenant was made, Sarah expressed her distress to Abraham about her inability to conceive. By the cultural norms of the time, she suggested that Abraham have sexual relations with her servant, Hagar. Abraham agreed, and Hagar became pregnant, giving birth to Ishmael.

Sarah gave birth to Isaac when she was ninety, and Abraham was about a hundred.

Ishmael was born naturally, which means his birth was according to the flesh. However, the more profound implication of his birth according to the flesh is that Abraham and Sarah took matters into their own hands instead of waiting for God to fulfill His promise. This reflects their lack of faith and walking in the flesh. On the other hand, Isaac's birth was a supernatural event, as it was based on the promise of God.

After discussing the historical event, Paul plans to use it figuratively to make a point in his current argument.

Figurative Explanation

Galatians 4:24–27 ESV

Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 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.”

The two women mentioned in this passage represent two covenants. If you are unsure what covenants are referred to, look to your Bible. The Bible is divided into two sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament, also known as the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Hagar represents the Covenant of Law, which is associated with bondage. Sarah represents the Covenant of Grace, which is associated with freedom.

In a figurative sense, Hagar represents the earthly Jerusalem, while Sarah represents the heavenly Jerusalem. This illustrates a profound spiritual truth that there are two kinds of people in the world: those who are the spiritual descendants of Isaac and descend from Ishmael—those who are born to Sarah and those who are born to Hagar.

People descended from Hagar believe they can earn God's acceptance by following the law and living a righteous life. They may have a strong faith and adhere to traditional religious practices, but they are bound like slaves under the legacy of Ishmael.

To be a part of the Jerusalem above, one must be born from above, also known as being born-again. According to the third chapter of John's gospel, Jesus discussed this concept with Nicodemus. Those who have been born from above have Sarah as their mother.

The old covenant was based on Law, that is, Hagar. The new covenant is based on Grace, that is, Sarah.

So, at issue is lineage. Are you the lineage of Ishmael? Or are you the lineage of Isaac? Paul is speaking spiritually here.

In verse twenty-seven, Paul quotes from Isaiah 54:1

Isaiah 54:1 ESV

“Sing, O barren one, who did not bear;

break forth into singing and cry aloud,

you who have not been in labor!

For the children of the desolate one will be more

than the children of her who is married,” says the Lord.

This passage was given to the Israelites as a source of encouragement. It would provide them with hope even though God had planned to exile them to Babylonian captivity. During their captivity, they would be spiritually barren, but God promised to make them fruitful again and bring them back to Jerusalem.

God intervened with Sarah, and God intervened with the Jews and brought them back from captivity.

Now, the significance of Isaiah 54:1 to Paul's argument is found in its fulfillment.

The promise that was given to Abraham and subsequently to the Jews is still being fulfilled today. While Isaiah's prophecy was partially fulfilled when God restored the Jews from Babylonian captivity, its ultimate fulfillment is spiritual and ongoing through the Christian Church. Whenever people accept Christ, they become "descendants of Abraham," who have returned from captivity.

"Who is your mother?" This question is significant because your mother determines your status. If your mother is Hagar, then you are a slave, bound by the law, and spiritually dead. However, if your mother is Sarah, then you are born of the Spirit and are a child of God who is free and alive. Paul uses this historical account to emphasize this point.

The final thing we need to notice is practical and personal.

Freedom in Christ can be experienced by keeping in step with the Spirit.

Verses 28 to 31 of the passage are personal and urge the Christian to take action based on the truth that Paul has communicated earlier. These verses provide principles to help believers walk in freedom and avoid bondage. The first principle is to remember one's" identity.

Remember your identity

Galatians 4:28 ESV

Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.

If you have been born again, you are considered children of promise, sons of Abraham, and children of God. You have been set free. It is essential always to remember who you indeed are and act accordingly.

However, it is also crucial to acknowledge the challenges you will encounter in maintaining your freedom and walking in it effectively.

Acknowledge the challenges you will encounter in maintaining your freedom and walking in it effectively.

Galatians 4:29 ESV

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.

Paul refers to Genesis chapter 21, where Ishmael mocks Isaac. This verse has two implications. Firstly, the true church, born of the Spirit, will be persecuted.

The second implication of freedom is that we will struggle with our flesh. Many Christians fall back into bondage because they try to live the Christian life in the flesh rather than walking with the Spirit. In chapter five, Paul will explain this in more detail. The old nature and the new nature of a Christian are at odds, resulting in a struggle that takes place every day. This struggle can lead us into bondage or give us victory and freedom. Also, to achieve freedom, we need to remove any hindrances.

Remove any hindrances

Galatians 4:30 ESV

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.”

To walk freedom, we must put to death the deeds of the body and walk by the Spirit. Then we won't be carrying out the deeds of the flesh.

Finally, we must resolve to stand firm in freedom.

Resolve to stand firm in freedom

Galatians 4:31 ESV

So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.

Stand firm in Freedom! Christ set us free, and we are free; therefore, let's live free and not like captives.

If you have put your faith in Christ, then you have been born again by God's grace. You are a descendant of Abraham and Isaac and a child of the promise. You are free! Therefore, keep in step with God's Spirit and walk in freedom.

For some, a crucial question needs to be asked: Are you of Ishmael or Isaac? To be considered Isaac, you must be born again from above. To be born again from above means to realize that you are a sinner and slave in need of a Savior. Look to the saving work of Christ for salvation. Only then will you be free at last.