Preparing for the Lord's Day
Throughout the book of Galatians Paul has been at pains to show that those who are of faith are the true sons of Abraham. It seems very likely that the false teachers focused on Abraham in their deceitful claims, that only those who were circumcised were truly members of God’s family. In our passage for this Sunday, Paul explains that the Galatians not only have Abraham as their father through faith but they also have Sarah as their mother. Paul uses the narrative of Isaac’s birth in Genesis 21 to explain that those who are sons of Abraham merely by the flesh are analogous to Ishmael, the son of a slave woman. Whereas, those who are sons of Abraham by faith are analogous to Isaac, the son of a free woman. Ishmael’s birth was the result of natural processes, by human works. Isaac’s birth, on the other hand, was the result of God’s promise and faith said in promise. Paul asks, “Who is your mother?” If you are pursuing salvation by works you are a slave, born merely of the flesh, the son of Hagar. However, if you trust in Christ for your salvation then you are free, born of the Spirit, the son of Sarah. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Galatians 4:-21-5:1, Genesis 21:1-10, Isaiah 51:1-3; 54:1, Hebrews 12:22-24, and this article on the Promise.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Mother’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Praise The Lord, Ye Heavens”, the Acclamation of Praise “When I Survey” and the Hymn of Response “Jesus Shall Reign.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Galatians 4:21-5:1
Title: Who is Your Mother?
Outline:
- You Must Know the History of Abraham’s Story (vv. 21-23)
- You Must Understand the Interpretation of Abraham’s Story (vv. 24-28)
- You Must Apply the Lessons of Abraham’s Story (vv. 29 – 5:1)
- Push On
- Cast Out
- Stand Firm
- Live Free