Galatians 4:25-31 – There Have Always Been Two Types of People
Paul applies the Hagar story to his own day in v. 25. She corresponds to first century Judaism, that had rejected Jesus Christ. But the believing Galatians belong to what Paul describes in v. 26 as ‘the Jerusalem above’. In v27 he quotes from Isaiah. Right there, in the Old Testament, there was a description of two Jerusalems. There is the Jerusalem that has been rejected for her sins. But there’s also a future Jerusalem, which is described in Isaiah as a mother. And that future Jerusalem will be marked out by the work of God’s Spirit. The present Jerusalem is the same one that was condemned in Isaiah 30:1 by God for making plans, but not by his Spirit. But the Jerusalem from above is given the promise in Isaiah 44:3 that God will pour out his Spirit on her.
Yet that doesn’t mean that no-one in the Old Testament had the Holy Spirit or was part of the Jerusalem above. Yes, many of them tried to earn God’s favour by law-keeping and proved themselves to be part of the earthly Jerusalem. But some didn’t. There have always been those who pursue God’s favour by their own efforts, but there have also always been those who truly knew God’s Spirit working in them.
In v29 we’re reminded that Isaac was born according to the Spirit. And how did the one born according to the flesh treat the one born according to the Spirit? Ishmael persecuted Isaac. At every stage in the history of the world there will be conflict between those who are God’s people, and those who aren’t. Often, the most intense persecution will come from those who’re outwardly religious — but who don’t have the Holy Spirit inside them. Those who believe that they’re saved by their own works tend to persecute and oppose those who believe that they’re saved by grace. In v30 Paul tells the Galatians what to do with the false teachers. Cast them out. Don’t listen to them. You aren’t children of the slave, but of the free woman.
The struggles you face as a Christian are part of a bigger battle, and one in which victory is certain. In Isaiah, the barren Sarah, giving birth at last, becomes a picture of the church. At times it may look like the church of Jesus Christ is on life-support. But in the end, the picture will be glorious. So keep going. Yes, it’s a tough slog now. But one day, you’ll rejoice. You’re on the winning side. Unimaginable joy is within touching distance. So keep going. The inheritance is yours.
Questions
- What two types of people have there always been?
- What glorious promises do we have?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for the glorious promises we have.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.