Legalism Series

Introduction: As Christians, we often talk about our freedom in Christ. But what does that mean? In today's passage, we will explore Paul's words in Galatians 4:21-31 to understand true freedom in Christ.

Scripture Reading: Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman...Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. (Galatians 4:21-23, 28)

Main Point 1: The Bondage of the Law

Explanation: In the verses leading up to our passage, Paul reminds the Galatians that they were once enslaved to the law. He uses the allegory of Hagar, the slave woman, and her son Ishmael to illustrate the bondage of the law. The law demands perfection, but the reality is that we are all sinners, unable to keep the law fully.

Illustration: Imagine being bound by chains, unable to break free no matter how hard you try. This is how the law makes us feel - trapped and hopeless.

Application: We may not be under the Mosaic law like the Galatians, but we can still fall into the trap of legalism. We may try to earn God's love and approval through our good works, but the truth is that we cannot save ourselves. We must rely on Christ's sacrifice for our salvation.

Main Point 2: The Promise of Freedom in Christ

Explanation: In contrast to the law, Paul presents the story of Sarah and her son Isaac, who represents the promise of freedom in Christ. Sarah was barren and past child-bearing age, but God promised her a son. And true to His promise, she gave birth to Isaac.

Illustration: Think of a barren desert, dry and desolate. But then, out of nowhere, a spring of water flows, quenching the thirst of the dry land. This is the promise of freedom that Christ offers us.

Application: Just like Sarah, our own efforts are fruitless. Only through faith in Christs finished work on the cross can we experience true freedom from the bondage of sin and the law. We are no longer slaves, but children of promise.

Main Point 3: The Power of Faith

Explanation: In verse 31, Paul makes a bold statement - So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. Our faith in Christ transforms us from slaves to children of God.

Illustration: Imagine being adopted into a loving and wealthy family, with all the privileges and benefits that come with being a child of the family. This is the power of faith in Christ - we are adopted into God's family, with all the blessings and inheritance that come with being His children.

Application: As children of God, we have a responsibility to live out our faith and not fall back into the bondage of legalism. We must walk in the freedom that Christ has given us, knowing that our worth and salvation are not based on our efforts but on His grace.

Conclusion: It is easy to become burdened and enslaved in a world constantly bombarded with expectations and standards. But as Christians, we can find true freedom in Christ. Let us remember the stories of Hagar and Sarah and choose to walk in the promise of freedom that Christ offers us.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for our freedom in Christ. Please help us to walk in faith and not fall into the trap of legalism. May we always remember that our worth and salvation are in You alone. In Jesus name, we pray, amen.

Reference: All scripture references from ESV.