Transcript: Understanding the Two Covenants in Galatians 4

Living under the law of Moses was like a child under a tutor, or like a slave. How does Paul explain this? Now I say as long as the heir is a child, he doesn't differ at all from a slave. Although he's owner of everything, but he's under guardians and managers until the date set by the Father. To whom were we slaves? In the same way, when we were miners, we were also enslaved by this world's system. The word law is used in several ways in the Bible. As the entire Old Testament, the books of Moses, the law of Moses, the law of faith, the law of the mind, the law of sin and death versus the law of the spirit of life, the laws of our country, and the law of liberty. Which law is referred to here? But when the set time had fully come, God sent his son born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those under the law that we might receive adoption to sonship. What has God done for us? And because you're sons, God has sent forth the spirit of his son into your hearts, crying out, Abba, Father. What is the result Now you no longer a slave but God own child And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Were the Galatians turning back to slavery? At this time, when you didn't know God, you were enslaved by things that aren't gods by nature. But now, after knowing God, or rather being known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless world system? Do you want to be slaves to it again? Were annual and weekly worship days part of that slavery? You even celebrate certain days, months, seasons and years. I'm afraid I've wasted my time working with you. Do friends tell friends the truth? Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first. And though my condition was a trial to you, you didn't scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? What's a possible motive for legalism? They enthusiastic about you but not for any good Instead they want to isolate you so you be enthusiastic about them Now it always good to be enthusiastic about good and not just when I with you How was Paul wanting to handle this? My little children, of whom I travail in birth again, until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now and to change my voice, for I stand in doubt of you. Does the law itself teach us about this? Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? What analogy does Paul use? For it's written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise. What covenant was given at Mount Sinai? Which things are symbolic? For these are the two covenants, the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar, for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it's written, Rejoice, O barren, you who do not bear. Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor. For the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband Do legalists still harass true Christians And you, dear brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, just like Isaac. But you are now being persecuted by those who want you to keep the law, just as Ishmael, the child born by human effort, persecuted Isaac, the child born by the power of the Spirit. Can the two covenants coexist? However, what does the scripture say? Throw out the servant and her son, for the son of the servant will not inherit with the son of the free woman. So then, brothers, we're not children of a servant, but of the free woman. Where does this come from? But Sarah saw Ishmael, the son of Abraham, and her Egyptian servant, Hagar, making fun of her son Isaac. So she turned to Abraham and demanded, get rid of that slave woman and her son. He's not going to share the inheritance with my son Isaac. I won't have it. Do we prefer the covenant from Mount Sinai, which gives birth to bondage, Works of the law like physical circumcision, worship days or food laws are no longer necessary. The letter of the old covenant is no longer relevant to the Christian. Only the spirit of the law in loving God and neighbor. Are we justified by the law or faith? You decide. you