Two Mothers, Two Covenants: A Call to Freedom

Introduction

Good morning, church. In Galatians 4:21-31, Paul uses the powerful allegory of Hagar and Sarah to contrast two covenants: the old covenant of the law, which binds, and the new covenant of grace, which liberates through faith in Christ. As A.W. Tozer once said, “The cross is the lightning rod of grace that short-circuits God’s wrath to Christ so that only the light of His love remains for believers.” This passage points us to the freedom found in Christ’s work, calling us to reject legalism and embrace our identity as children of promise. D.L. Moody reminds us, “The law tells me how crooked I am; grace comes along and straightens me out.” Our big idea today is: Believers are called to live in the freedom of the new covenant established by Christ, leaving behind the bondage of legalism and embracing our identity as children of promise.

Let’s exegete this passage in three parts: Promise Over Human Plans, Freedom Over Bondage, and Inheritance Over Slavery, with cross-references to deepen our understanding.

1. Promise Over Human Plans (Galatians 4:21-23)

Exegesis: Paul addresses the Galatians, who were tempted to return to the law for justification (Galatians 3:1-3). He draws on Genesis 16 and 21, referencing Abraham’s two sons: Ishmael, born to Hagar through human effort, and Isaac, born to Sarah through God’s promise. The Greek term for “born according to the flesh” (kata sarka) in verse 23 emphasizes human initiative, while “through the promise” (di’ epangelias) highlights divine action. Paul’s point is that the law, like Ishmael, represents human striving, whereas faith in Christ, like Isaac, rests on God’s promise.

Cross-References: Romans 4:18-22 underscores Abraham’s faith in God’s promise, fulfilled through Isaac and ultimately Christ (Galatians 3:16). Hebrews 11:11 highlights Sarah’s faith, showing that the promise comes through divine power, not human effort.

Application: Like the Galatians, we may be tempted to rely on our own efforts—good deeds, religious routines, or moral checklists—to earn God’s favor. Tozer warns, “Many Christians are still living under the law, trying to please God in their own strength, and missing the liberty of the Spirit.” Christ, the seed of Abraham, fulfills God’s promise (John 8:36). Let’s trust in His work, not our own plans.

2. Freedom Over Bondage (Galatians 4:24-27)

Exegesis: Paul employs an allegory (allēgoroumena, v. 24), using Hagar and Sarah to represent two covenants. Hagar corresponds to Mount Sinai, where the law was given (Exodus 19-20), symbolizing the old covenant that enslaves through its demands. Sarah represents the “Jerusalem above,” the new covenant of grace (Hebrews 8:6-13). Paul quotes Isaiah 54:1 in verse 26, where the barren woman (Sarah) rejoices because her children—believers through faith—outnumber those of the law. The “present Jerusalem” (v. 25) refers to Judaism’s legalistic system, while “Jerusalem above” signifies the spiritual reality of God’s kingdom.

Cross-References: John 8:31-36 connects freedom to Christ’s truth, contrasting it with slavery to sin and law. 2 Corinthians 3:6-17 describes the new covenant as one of the Spirit, bringing liberty where the law brought condemnation.

Application: Are we living in the freedom of grace or slipping back into legalism? Moody said, “Grace means undeserved kindness. It is the gift of God to man the moment he sees he is unworthy of God’s favor.” The new covenant, sealed by Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20), frees us from the law’s burden. Let’s choose the freedom of “Jerusalem above” over the bondage of Sinai.

3. Inheritance Over Slavery (Galatians 4:28-31)

Exegesis: Paul concludes by identifying believers as “children of promise, like Isaac” (v. 28). The Greek term for “children” (tekna) emphasizes familial relationship, contrasting with “slaves” (douloi). Verse 29 notes that Ishmael persecuted Isaac (Genesis 21:9), paralleling how legalists opposed the gospel of grace. Paul’s command to “cast out the slave woman” (v. 30) is a call to reject legalism, affirming that believers are heirs through Christ (v. 31). This echoes the broader Pauline theme of adoption into God’s family (Romans 8:15-17).

Cross-References: Romans 8:14-17 confirms believers as God’s children and heirs, free from the spirit of slavery. Ephesians 2:8-9 reinforces that salvation is by grace through faith, not works, ensuring our inheritance.

Application: As children of promise, we are heirs, not slaves. Tozer reminds us, “The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One.” Let’s resist the temptation to return to legalism, trusting in Christ’s righteousness alone. Our identity as God’s children empowers us to live in freedom, secure in His grace.

Conclusion

Galatians 4:21-31 calls us to reject the bondage of the law and embrace the freedom of the new covenant in Christ. Through the allegory of Hagar and Sarah, Paul shows that Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promise, liberates us from self-reliance and legalism. As Moody said, “The law demands; grace supplies.” Let’s live as children of promise, resting in Christ’s finished work and walking in the liberty of His grace.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the freedom we have in Christ, the seed of Abraham and the mediator of the new covenant. Help us reject legalism and embrace our identity as Your children. May we live in the liberty of Your grace, trusting in Jesus alone. In His name, Amen.