Proclaim Liberty!

Galatians 4:28–31 (NIV),

²⁸ Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. ²⁹ At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. ³⁰ But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” ³¹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

So the Apostle brings this conclusion: If you are a Christian you are like Isaac.  You are a child of promise.  You are the believing seed that is identified "and your children after you." But here's the downside: "Whosoever are born and live in Christ, and rejoice in this birth and inheritance of God, have Ishmael for their enemy and their persecutor . . . But God overthroweth their judgment and pronounceth this sentence against them, that because they are the children of the bondwoman, and persecute the children of the free-woman, therefore they shall be cast out of the house, and shall have no inheritance with the children of promise; to whom only the inheritance belongeth because they are the children of the freewoman." [1]  Legalists, slaves hate people who are free, but will have no part of the blessing.

This also implies "that those who teach the false gospel of justification by works should not be allowed to remain and teach in a church that follows Christ." [2]  "Christendom is critically infected with the deadly doctrine of the legalists. The crying need of the hour is for uncompromising men to proclaim the liberty in Christ which is the birthright of every believer." [3]

This then will lead us to the next topic that Paul addresses:“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, NIV)

 

Father this is decisive language of the Apostle.  It is not politically correct.  It will hurt people's feelings.  Christians are not to dance with those who do not believe in justification by faith in Christ and Christ alone.  Stop the music.  We are to cast them out.  We are to ἐκβάλλω [ek·bal·lo] -- deprive them of power and influence -- expel them -- with force but not violence. I live in a time Father where this is not accepted.  We are to tolerate people.  As long as they believe in Jesus.  This is the kind of language that gets people into trouble Father.  Will I have the courage of these biblical convictions to be strong in this day of tolerance?  Grant Father, even as that ancient brother prayed, grant me the ability to do Your will.  May the chips fall where they may.  Fight for freedom.  Freedom which Your Son and my Savior bled and died for. There is no compromise for the fame and glory of Christ and the ultimate freedom and joy of His Church.  Amen .

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1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 4:29). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

2. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2253). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

3. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2395). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.