Identity is such a big issue when it comes to our understanding of salvation. Paul looks at this very issue when he considers 2 sons, 2 women, 2 mountains and 2 cities. Be blessed.
Galatians 4: Sons and Heirs
1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything,
2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father.
3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"
7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Paul's Concern for the Galatians
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods.
9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?
10 You observe days and months and seasons and years!
11 I am afraid I may have laboured over you in vain.
12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong.
13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first,
14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.
15 What then has become of the blessing you felt? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.
16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?
17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them.
18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you,
19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!
20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
Example of Hagar and Sarah
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law?
22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman.
23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.
24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar.
25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.
26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.
27 For it is written, "Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labour! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband."
28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.
29 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.
30 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."
31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.
Things to think about…
1. Consider the theology Paul wants us to understand in Gal 4:1-7. He says there is a natural condition that we are born into that has us in slavery. This of course is our sinful nature in a general sense. But the context here refers to ‘the Law’. It was our guardian until we were adopted out from under the law’s power. How did this happen? Through the Son (Jesus) of course, Gal 4:4,5. Now we are adopted as sons and heirs. We now have full rights as members of God’s family. Paul says we can now say ‘Abba Father’. I.E we can be on the most intimate relational level possible. God is our ‘Dad’. How do you relate to your heavenly ‘Dad’? Is He an austere type to you? Is He harsh, distant or condescending? This is not the character of the Father we have from the scriptures. Pray that He reveals more of His ‘Abba-ness’ to you today so you may know the fullness of your true identity in Him. May earthly dads who know Jesus show some of our heavenly Dad’s character by the way they love and show grace to their kids.
2. Do you understand what Paul is saying in Gal 4:10-14? Everyone is cursed if they do not abide by the law, vs 10. No-one of course can keep the law perfectly. Herein lies the problem. Christ alone keeps the law perfectly for us. If we are in Him, through faith, we are made righteous, to the requirements of the law. Do you struggle with trying to maintain perfect obedience before God? So do I. Praise God Jesus justifies us by faith in Him and not by obeying the law – which we can never do. Christ keeps the law perfectly for those who cannot and by His obedience we are made righteous. A glorious exchange!
3. Religious observance of days was a hindrance to the gospel when it was attached to a false understanding of salvation, Gal 4:8-11. The Galatians had started well but were going back to the Mosaic law and observing days, seasons and festivals that were required under the law, but which ultimately pointed to Christ. Paul is concerned that his labouring among them has been in vain, vs 11. The church must never offer just a religious experience but always have a true relationship with Christ on display. Pulpits must declare that salvation is given and never earned.
4. Paul after speaking about his bodily affliction, a condition that affected his eyes, Gal 4:15 which brought the gospel to them in the first place has noted there has been a change the message while he has been away. The Galatians had started to turn aside to doctrinal error which Paul says are “weak and worthless elementary principles of the world”, Gal 4:9. He feels their criticism for holding them accountable by saying “Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?”, Gal 4:16. This is an accusation I have been hit with many times over the years. It is the constant burden of anyone who desires to faithfully share the gospel. If the truth is given then regardless of who the messenger is Jesus tells us that the truth sets us free and should always by encouraged and embraced. Some truth of course is not easy to hear. But true love is best received by always loving the truth. Paul says the ones who were leading the Galatians astray are shutting them out, vs 17. This is the old fashion tactic employed by Satan to form political/divisive groups within the church. Paul does not want to be harsh with them, vs 20 and in fact wants to speak with them face to face. Unfortunately, it is not always possible, and miscommunication can occur. This is a constant burden within any church. Where they are differences of opinion, face to face meetings are best way to resolve the problem. The Apostle John also offered the same counsel, 2Jn 1:12; 3Jn 1:14.
5. There are only two types of people in this world – those who are in Christ and those who are not. Jesus says, “Whoever is not with me is against me”, Mt 12:30. This is a difficult truth for many to swallow, hence the unbiblical belief regarding a place called purgatory or universalism which says everyone goes to heaven in the end. Not true. Paul outlines these 2 identities in Gal 4:21-31 when he speaks of two sons, two women, two mountains and two cities. One of the two examples represents slavery; the other example represents freedom in Christ. This earth has so much of the first example of slavery. In what ways can Christians be bound to this earthly son/woman/mountain/city? We are children of the promise, and our inheritance is found in Christ in our heavenly Jerusalem. We should reflect this identity and crave this fulfilment in everything we do on this earth? We are to “cast out the slave woman”, vs 30. This means turning away from the flesh and sin that keep us bound to what Paul says is the “present Jerusalem”, vs 25, rather than the “Jerusalem above”, vs 26. Side note:- Mt Sinai is in Arabia according to Paul – not in the ‘so-called’ Sinai Peninsula belonging to Egypt. The Red Sea crossing was across the ‘Gulf of Aqaba’ not the ‘Gulf of Suez’. There is plenty of archaeological evidence that supports this view.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Sermon:-“Building in times of trouble” – Ezra 5:1-5
a. Do you recall some of the historical context of the book of Ezra. What had happened to the people of Judah and why were they having to rebuild the temple?
b. When spiritual work is attempted, Satan is never happy with the workers. What were some of the reasons the work had stopped for 20 years from 536BC to 516BC? How did the work begin again and who were the 2 prophets that encouraged it to restart?
c. Jay said the church in the west is not in a very healthy sate. Do you agree with him? Why/Why not? In your answer discuss the purpose of the church as the bride of Christ and how the bride is to worship in Spirit and in truth. Consider what this looks like as you discuss John 16:8-11.
d. What are you doing or what can you do to build up the body of Christ at CBC? Pray for the gospel and our strategy as well as our upcoming information session (28th May) and community day Sat 24th June.
Prayer Points
1. Continue to pray and Andy in Ipswich hospital and for Sally as she continues to battle Alzheimer’s. Give thanks for Andy’s brother Tad and a loving husband and example of Christ – Richard.
2. The processing of our insurance claim and the repurchasing of equipment.
3. That those who are new to the church are encouraged and settle in well into the church.
4. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you saved.
5. Pray for Kids@church and our Youth group.
6. How you can serve in ministry this year.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. The blessing of our Mother’s Day event on Saturday. Big thanks to Suzanne Willey and many other women who made the day a success. A special mention to Katelyn Gillert who was a great blessing in sharing on her role as a mother as well as a daughter.
2. Young adult’s ministry – keep praying as this ministry grows.
3. Kids@Church ministry is a great blessing. Pray for Rosie and balancing her teaching, family and church worlds.
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Church information session 28th May after the morning service.
2. Remember to check your duty rosters for term 2.
3. Community Day Saturday 24th June at Church. More details to follow.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for May...
Q. 8. Who are they? A. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Bible References – Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; Jude 20-21.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
