The Heirs and the Law (Galatians 4:1-7)
The Analogy of Heirship
Paul continues his argument by likening believers to heirs who, as long as they are minors, differ little from slaves, though they are the owners of everything. He explains that they are under guardians and trustees until the set time by the father (Galatians 4:1-2). This analogy underscores the condition of humanity under the law—awaiting the full rights of sonship.
The Coming of Christ
Paul clarifies that at the “fullness of time,” God sent His Son, born of a woman and born under the law, to redeem those under the law so that they might receive adoption as sons. By sending His Son, God provided the means for humanity to move from being under the law to becoming children of God through faith (Galatians 4:4-5).
The Spirit of Sonship
As a result of this adoption, believers receive the Spirit of God’s Son, who calls out, “Abba, Father,” signifying an intimate and personal relationship with God. Paul emphasizes that believers are no longer slaves but sons, and if sons, then heirs through God, highlighting the transformation from the slave status under the law to the freedom of being God’s children (Galatians 4:6-7).
Paul’s Personal Appeal (Galatians 4:8-20)
Returning to Bondage
Paul expresses concern that the Galatians are turning back to weak and miserable principles, effectively returning to bondage even though they now know God—or rather are known by God. He questions why they would revert to the weak and useless spiritual principles of the world after experiencing the freedom in Christ (Galatians 4:8-9).
Paul’s Past Interaction with the Galatians
Reminding them of their first encounter, Paul recalls how the Galatians had received him as if he were an angel of God, or even Christ Jesus. He laments the change in their attitude, stressing his perplexity over their willingness to embrace a different gospel (Galatians 4:12-16).
The Zeal of False Teachers
Paul warns them about the zeal shown by false teachers who wish to alienate the Galatians from Paul so that the Galatians would be zealous for them. He advocates for a noble zeal in good things always, not just when he is present with them. He expresses his deep concern for them, likening his distress to the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in them again (Galatians 4:17-20).
The Allegory of Hagar and Sarah (Galatians 4:21-31)
The Two Covenants
Paul introduces an allegory using Abraham’s two sons—one by a slave woman and the other by a free woman—to illustrate the difference between living under the law and living under the promise of grace. He points out that Hagar represents Mount Sinai and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, which is in slavery with her children (Galatians 4:24-25).
Freedom Through Sarah
In contrast, Sarah represents the Jerusalem above, which is free, and she is our mother. This allegory emphasizes that the promise received through faith in Jesus Christ brings freedom, unlike the bondage of the law represented by Hagar. Paul concludes with the encouragement that, like Isaac, believers are children of promise, not born according to the flesh but through the power of the Spirit (Galatians 4:26, 28-31).
Theological Significance
Connection to Jesus Christ
Galatians 4 deeply connects to Jesus Christ by highlighting His role in fulfilling God’s promise and redeeming believers from the law. The transition from law to grace through Christ is central to understanding Christian identity as children of God rather than slaves to the law.
God’s Love for the World
This chapter beautifully illustrates God’s love by detailing the lengths He went to—sending His own Son—to ensure that believers could call Him Father. This adoption into God’s family showcases the intimate and loving relationship God desires with humanity.
Contemporary Relevance
Galatians 4 is extremely relevant today as it addresses themes of freedom versus slavery, the influence of false teachings, and the importance of understanding one’s identity in Christ. It challenges believers to reflect on whether they live in the freedom of being God’s children or are ensnared by worldly or legalistic principles. It also emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity and the dangers of deviating from the gospel of grace.
Conclusion
Galatians 4 provides profound insights into the theological shifts from the Old Covenant of law to the New Covenant of grace through faith in Christ. Paul’s arguments serve to affirm the identity of believers as children of God, urging them to live in the freedom and inheritance that come from this divine relationship, and to resist returning to any form of bondage. This chapter calls for a vigilant embrace of the gospel, rooted in the transformative power of Jesus Christ.