Galatians 4.5

THE TRIUMPH OF GRACE:

Galatians 4:21 

1.    Paul questions their purpose of the law: holiness or works. 

a.    1 Peter 1:13-16 

Galatians 4:22-27 

2.    Paul uses Abraham to illustrate the difference between the law and grace. 

a.    God’s promises often require patient faith. 

b.    Ishmael became the product of flesh rather than faith.

3.    Paul teaches that grace will do what our efforts fail to do. 

a.    Genesis 17:1-5

b.    God’s grace changes our identity.

c.     Isaac was born by God’s promise, not man’s ability.

d.    The things that God births in our lives are a result of His grace.

Galatians 4:28-29 

4.    Paul declares that Law and grace cannot live together.

In Paul’s Illustration:

a.    Hagar represents the Law.

b.    Ishmael represents the flesh.

c.     Sarai represents grace.

d.    Isaac represents believers.

e.    The flesh always opposes the Spirit.

f.      Listen to Paul and stop living under the condemnation that Christ has already removed.

Galatians 4:30-31

5.    Paul is telling us to choose grace. 

a.    Law and grace cannot cohabit as the basis of salvation.

b.    Reject every form of self-righteousness.

c.     Cast out what pulls you down and cling to grace!

Conclusion:

When we are waiting and things seem slow to come about, remember faith obeys before it understands.

Delay does not mean denial.

Faith is proven not only by believing God's promise but by waiting for God's timing.

Trust in Jesus Christ and His grace and follow Him all the way!