Intro:

Paul continues his presentation and argument against the Judaizers, trying to bring the Jews back under the Old Testament Jewish Law. Three arguments were presented in chapter three, three more follow here in chapter four.

 

I. The Dispensational Argument - (4:1-11)

In verses one through eleven Paul pictures Israel under the dispensation of Law, and now under the dispensation of the Grace of God through Our Lord Jesus Christ. There is a difference!

Paul tells the Galatians that although the Jews were promised heirship, under the Law they really had no more than the Gentiles in that the-Law was a tutor or governor. Being under the tutor (the Law), that reduced them (the Jews) practically speaking, to no more than a servant themselves, in that one servant (the Law, schoolmaster) ruled over them. Through grace in the Lord Jesus Paul now asks: "Should you Galatians wish to reassume your role as a servant, or receive (through Christ) the blessing and promises given to the heir?" In (vs. 11) Paul says, "I'm afraid you folks just don't get the picture, have I wasted my time in trying to show you the difference between Law and Grace?" In effect Paul is saying "You are no longer a child, why do you want to go back into a second childhood under the bondage of Old Testament Law?"

 

II. The Sentimental Argument - (4:12-20)

In the next verse Paul hints at his infirmity of (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Whether this is merely a figure of speech or a direct reference to his physical handicap is not clear, yet, certainly it is implied. "Ye would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me" (vs. 15). "Now after all we've been through together, the good relationship we've established, are you going to reject me and count me as an enemy because I tell you the truth?" (vs. 16).

In verse seventeen Paul says, "They have made a definite impression upon you, but it is that they might take advantage of you for their own personal gain." ,

"...until Christ be formed in you" - (vs. 19). Here is the filling of the Holy Spirit which is to be commanded in chapter five and typified in the fruits of the Spirit that are enumerated also in chapter five.

 

III. The Allegorical Argument - 4:21-31

Most people that "desire to be under the Law" (vs. 21) have never really heard it. Failure to keep the Law in all points brings condemnation, damnation and a curse upon the individual.

Comparisons:

Grace	Law
Vs. 22 Isaac (vs. 28)	Ishmael
Vs. 22 free woman	bondmaid
Vs. 23 promise (vs. 28)	flesh
Vs. 23 spirit (vs. 29)
Vs. 24-26
Sarah	Agar (Hagar)
free	bondage
Jerusalem (above)	Arabia (Sinai)
mother of us all	children

Paul concludes his allegorical argument, (vs. 28-31): We are children of promise (see 3:17 18,19). We are as Isaac, his promise was heirship of his father's promises without the Mosaic Law. Yet, Isaac was persecuted by the older, Ishmael, as we that accept pure grace are being persecuted by the legalistic Jews. Nevertheless, (vs. 30) "cast out the bondwoman and son" (the Law) for the bondwoman and son are not heirs together with Isaac and those who accept pure grace. "We are... of the free" (vs. 31).

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." in. 8:32