WEBVTT 00:00:00.240 --> 00:00:02.620 Well, good morning. It's good to see you all here. 00:00:03.399 --> 00:00:05.440 I want to begin with a question this morning. 00:00:06.339 --> 00:00:07.740 Which do you prefer? 00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:11.599 A contract or a promise? 00:00:12.640 --> 00:00:15.620 If you walk into a used car sales lot, 00:00:15.620 --> 00:00:18.339 and this guy comes up and he says, 00:00:18.440 --> 00:00:20.440 I've got the best car for you. 00:00:20.519 --> 00:00:23.640 I promise it's going to be the best car. 00:00:23.640 --> 00:00:25.960 And I'll give you the best deal. 00:00:26.379 --> 00:00:29.379 And you're going to be the happiest customer in the world. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.579 Are those promises what you want? 00:00:34.799 --> 00:00:36.119 Or do you want a contract? 00:00:36.579 --> 00:00:38.240 I want to see the VIN number. 00:00:38.320 --> 00:00:39.840 I want to see the crash report. 00:00:39.920 --> 00:00:41.480 I want to see the repair record. 00:00:41.579 --> 00:00:44.399 I want to see the financing details. 00:00:44.399 --> 00:00:46.240 I need all of those details. 00:00:48.740 --> 00:00:49.920 What do we prefer? 00:00:51.079 --> 00:00:52.019 Contract, right? 00:00:53.299 --> 00:00:54.960 Because contracts are clear. 00:00:55.519 --> 00:00:57.179 Because we know the parameters. 00:00:57.500 --> 00:00:59.219 We know what we're getting ourselves into. 00:00:59.219 --> 00:01:01.019 We know what our role is. 00:01:01.060 --> 00:01:03.079 What we're supposed to do in a contract. 00:01:04.480 --> 00:01:05.480 I do my part. 00:01:05.599 --> 00:01:06.379 You do your part. 00:01:06.579 --> 00:01:07.379 We're all good. 00:01:08.900 --> 00:01:10.819 Even consequences are laid out. 00:01:10.879 --> 00:01:12.739 If you do it or don't do it, right? 00:01:15.219 --> 00:01:18.400 We love contracts partly because it gives us a sense of safety. 00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:19.759 And a sense of control. 00:01:19.760 --> 00:01:30.080 But I wonder if we think about our relationship with God in a similar way. 00:01:31.219 --> 00:01:37.500 If, in fact, in our spiritual lives, we want a contract with God. 00:01:37.500 --> 00:01:39.359 I do my part. 00:01:39.359 --> 00:01:39.379 I do my part. 00:01:39.480 --> 00:01:39.819 X. 00:01:39.939 --> 00:01:41.079 God does His part. 00:01:41.260 --> 00:01:41.659 Y. 00:01:42.060 --> 00:01:42.959 It's clear. 00:01:43.140 --> 00:01:43.840 It's achievable. 00:01:44.060 --> 00:01:44.680 It's doable. 00:01:45.459 --> 00:01:48.640 And it provides a sense of security and control. 00:01:48.640 --> 00:01:53.719 I do my religious things. 00:01:53.719 --> 00:01:54.519 I give money. 00:01:54.620 --> 00:01:55.480 I serve the poor. 00:01:55.599 --> 00:01:56.439 I read my Bible. 00:01:56.760 --> 00:01:58.519 I maintain my sexual purity. 00:01:58.900 --> 00:02:00.120 I develop a ministry. 00:02:00.640 --> 00:02:02.060 I grow in theology. 00:02:02.859 --> 00:02:03.920 I pray more. 00:02:05.319 --> 00:02:09.539 Or maybe I do my religious, maybe not so religious things, but good things, right? 00:02:09.759 --> 00:02:10.780 I'm nice to people. 00:02:10.860 --> 00:02:13.419 I don't lie or steal or cheat. 00:02:13.780 --> 00:02:16.620 I walk old ladies across the street and feed stray cats. 00:02:16.780 --> 00:02:20.039 Whatever it is, the good works that you do. 00:02:22.479 --> 00:02:27.920 And in our religious hearts, we think, if we do these things, God will give us something 00:02:27.920 --> 00:02:28.520 in return. 00:02:29.120 --> 00:02:30.039 He will bless us. 00:02:30.039 --> 00:02:31.319 He will accept us. 00:02:31.560 --> 00:02:32.900 He will affirm us. 00:02:33.099 --> 00:02:34.840 He will say, it's enough. 00:02:35.000 --> 00:02:35.599 It's good. 00:02:38.039 --> 00:02:40.560 Is that really better? 00:02:41.780 --> 00:02:48.340 This is the question that Paul is addressing in our passage today in Galatians chapter 4. 00:02:48.800 --> 00:02:49.840 I forgot to look it up. 00:02:49.920 --> 00:02:54.300 Page 9, 16, 18, 20, something in there. 00:02:54.639 --> 00:02:56.280 Galatians chapter 4. 00:02:56.460 --> 00:02:56.640 Anyone? 00:02:57.699 --> 00:02:58.580 9, 15. 00:02:58.719 --> 00:02:59.060 All right. 00:02:59.099 --> 00:02:59.860 I was pretty close. 00:03:00.240 --> 00:03:01.979 We've been in Galatians going slowly enough. 00:03:02.120 --> 00:03:04.039 I kind of remembered, but I didn't look it up. 00:03:04.139 --> 00:03:08.420 So if you want to turn there in your few Bibles, we're going to be looking at this passage together 00:03:08.420 --> 00:03:09.039 this morning. 00:03:09.039 --> 00:03:14.519 And just remember context, or if you're visiting, Paul has been arguing for the last two chapters 00:03:14.519 --> 00:03:20.060 in chapters 3 and 4, summarizing a lot of really rich theology. 00:03:20.319 --> 00:03:26.000 He's woven theological themes together like a strong rope so that we can grab on to the 00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:28.939 truth of the gospel in meaningful ways. 00:03:28.939 --> 00:03:35.159 And what he's saying is in response to those who had come into the Galatian church and said 00:03:35.159 --> 00:03:40.840 that Christians, particularly Gentile Christians, needed to keep the law of Moses in addition 00:03:40.840 --> 00:03:42.719 to believing in Jesus. 00:03:43.180 --> 00:03:46.159 That is, they need to particularly be circumcised. 00:03:46.259 --> 00:03:48.000 They need to follow dietary laws. 00:03:48.180 --> 00:03:49.460 They needed to keep the Sabbath. 00:03:49.460 --> 00:03:54.939 But they need to keep the whole law in order to preserve the unique identity of God's people 00:03:54.939 --> 00:04:01.960 and to claim the fulfillment of being the children of Abraham, the children of God's promises. 00:04:02.920 --> 00:04:09.740 And Paul has been arguing that no, since Christ has come, something new has come. 00:04:09.740 --> 00:04:15.780 That salvation from sin comes not through the law, but through faith in Christ alone. 00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:22.120 And through faith in Christ alone, we have not only this salvation from sin, but also a new identity 00:04:22.120 --> 00:04:23.280 as God's people. 00:04:23.960 --> 00:04:29.800 We are the ones who receive through Christ the fullness of the blessing of Abraham to all people. 00:04:29.800 --> 00:04:35.780 No longer needing to keep the law in order to do that because Christ has done it for us. 00:04:36.259 --> 00:04:42.600 This is the argument that he's been arguing over and over again in the last two chapters as we've been looking at. 00:04:42.680 --> 00:04:47.120 And he's finishing this argument with a crazy story. 00:04:47.120 --> 00:04:55.420 It's an allegory or an illustration from the Old Testament to try to give us an idea one more time 00:04:55.420 --> 00:04:58.300 of why he sees this as being so important. 00:04:58.300 --> 00:05:06.100 It is, commentators kind of agree, might be one of the most challenging parts of the book to really understand. 00:05:06.660 --> 00:05:10.980 So we're going to go a little far afield here into the Old Testament a number of times 00:05:10.980 --> 00:05:13.480 to figure out what exactly Paul is saying. 00:05:13.939 --> 00:05:20.060 But let's look at it this morning so that we can hear what God's Word has to say to us this morning. 00:05:20.180 --> 00:05:23.720 So Galatians chapter 4, starting in verse 21. 00:05:23.920 --> 00:05:28.019 Let's read it together, and then we'll pray and ask God for his help. 00:05:28.300 --> 00:05:53.920 Now, this may be interpreted allegorically. 00:05:53.920 --> 00:05:56.319 These women are two covenants. 00:05:56.439 --> 00:05:59.240 One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery. 00:05:59.500 --> 00:06:00.340 She is Hagar. 00:06:00.960 --> 00:06:03.140 Now, Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia. 00:06:03.980 --> 00:06:08.540 She corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 00:06:09.460 --> 00:06:13.040 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 00:06:13.040 --> 00:06:18.700 For it is written, Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear. 00:06:19.180 --> 00:06:22.379 Break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor. 00:06:22.819 --> 00:06:28.960 For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband. 00:06:28.959 --> 00:06:36.419 Now, you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 00:06:37.419 --> 00:06:45.399 But just as at the time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:47.060 so also it is now. 00:06:48.179 --> 00:06:49.859 But what does the Scripture say? 00:06:49.860 --> 00:07:08.060 Well, let's pray and ask for God's help. 00:07:08.060 --> 00:07:14.420 Lord, we thank you for your Word, and we thank you for the richness and beauty of it. 00:07:15.319 --> 00:07:19.339 Lord, as we look at this this morning, we ask for your help. 00:07:20.160 --> 00:07:25.360 For we know that apart from your Spirit, Lord, our minds are dull and our spirits are cold, 00:07:25.860 --> 00:07:28.040 and we are unable to understand your Word. 00:07:28.740 --> 00:07:34.680 But, Lord, by your Spirit, you are able to help us and to make us understand your Word. 00:07:34.680 --> 00:07:39.519 So, Lord, I pray that as we look at this Word this morning, that you would be our help, 00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:47.439 that by depending on your Spirit, Lord, we might together understand the riches of this message 00:07:47.439 --> 00:07:49.460 and might glorify you. 00:07:49.639 --> 00:07:50.920 Lord, I pray for help. 00:07:51.399 --> 00:07:53.120 You would help me speak as I ought. 00:07:54.319 --> 00:07:59.819 Lord, we pray that your Word, Lord, would show itself in power to us 00:07:59.819 --> 00:08:02.300 and that we would sit under it this morning. 00:08:02.300 --> 00:08:04.980 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:08:06.180 --> 00:08:06.500 Amen. 00:08:08.500 --> 00:08:14.340 All right, so at one level, the meaning of this passage is very clear. 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:16.139 Let me try to summarize it. 00:08:16.720 --> 00:08:21.780 God wants us to know that a life of faith in the promise-keeping Savior 00:08:21.780 --> 00:08:28.639 is by far superior to a works-based contractual relationship with God. 00:08:28.639 --> 00:08:31.000 All right? 00:08:32.279 --> 00:08:33.379 That's our big idea. 00:08:34.159 --> 00:08:35.379 How do we get there? 00:08:35.699 --> 00:08:36.000 All right. 00:08:36.919 --> 00:08:38.419 I wrestled with my outline. 00:08:38.559 --> 00:08:40.379 Here it is for those of you who love outlines. 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:41.799 We're going to look at the backstory. 00:08:42.480 --> 00:08:44.120 We're going to look at the contrast. 00:08:44.559 --> 00:08:46.080 We're going to look at the basis. 00:08:46.460 --> 00:08:48.319 And then we're going to look at the application. 00:08:49.000 --> 00:08:49.299 Okay? 00:08:49.299 --> 00:08:56.319 So, the backstory, the contrast, the basis, and the application. 00:08:56.939 --> 00:09:02.659 The backstory will be looking back at the story of Abraham and Sarah and the Hagar and their children. 00:09:03.059 --> 00:09:05.799 The contrast will be looking at the passage. 00:09:06.199 --> 00:09:08.759 The basis is going to be looking at the Old Testament quotes. 00:09:08.839 --> 00:09:09.819 And then the application. 00:09:10.179 --> 00:09:11.500 What does this mean for us? 00:09:11.899 --> 00:09:13.539 So, that's where we're going this morning. 00:09:14.039 --> 00:09:15.039 We can look at it. 00:09:15.039 --> 00:09:17.099 Paul begins looking at the backstory. 00:09:17.299 --> 00:09:21.860 He says, those of you who want to go under the law, don't you know what the law says? 00:09:21.899 --> 00:09:26.319 And he's using the law here in a broader sense that he has in lots of other places. 00:09:26.679 --> 00:09:31.179 And I say that because he quotes from both Genesis and Isaiah. 00:09:31.319 --> 00:09:36.860 He's not merely talking about the Mosaic law, Exodus 20 through the end of Leviticus. 00:09:36.860 --> 00:09:39.639 But he's talking about the law writ large. 00:09:40.080 --> 00:09:42.440 The revelation of God in the Old Testament. 00:09:42.620 --> 00:09:47.320 He's saying, don't you see what the Old Testament says about these ideas? 00:09:47.820 --> 00:09:48.940 And then he explains it. 00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:55.879 For, and he goes on, and he talks about this contrast, this allegory, or this figurative reading 00:09:55.879 --> 00:09:59.399 of an Old Testament story that he assumes that everyone knows. 00:09:59.419 --> 00:10:00.580 So, he doesn't tell us. 00:10:01.639 --> 00:10:02.940 But we're not them. 00:10:03.060 --> 00:10:04.500 So, we're going to tell that story. 00:10:04.500 --> 00:10:11.120 So, we're going to start with the backstory of Abraham and Sarah and what God did in that story. 00:10:11.220 --> 00:10:13.220 This is a story of Genesis 2. 00:10:13.659 --> 00:10:17.360 And make your name great so that you will be a blessing. 00:10:18.080 --> 00:10:22.620 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse. 00:10:23.000 --> 00:10:27.679 And in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 00:10:29.899 --> 00:10:32.419 So, God comes to Abraham and his wife Sarah. 00:10:32.419 --> 00:10:34.799 If you go back, their names are a little bit different. 00:10:34.939 --> 00:10:35.819 That's part of the story. 00:10:35.919 --> 00:10:37.039 Their names get changed in the middle. 00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:42.079 And you go through the next five chapters, and there's no child. 00:10:42.500 --> 00:10:46.759 And there's this promise laying out there of, I'm going to make you a father of a great nation. 00:10:46.759 --> 00:10:47.759 But there's no children. 00:10:48.319 --> 00:10:50.699 And then you get to the beginning of chapter 16. 00:10:51.419 --> 00:10:53.339 And Abraham and Sarah waited 10 years. 00:10:53.419 --> 00:10:56.959 And they're like, God, I'm not seeing this happening. 00:10:57.079 --> 00:10:58.299 We're getting older here. 00:10:58.299 --> 00:11:01.039 And so, they come up with a plan. 00:11:01.639 --> 00:11:04.859 They take this God's promise into their own hands. 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:08.679 And they say, we're going to fulfill God's promise by our own plan. 00:11:08.779 --> 00:11:14.959 So, they use an Old Testament, an ancient pattern, which would be if a woman was not able to bear children, 00:11:15.399 --> 00:11:20.639 she would give her maidservant to her husband in order to bear a servant. 00:11:20.639 --> 00:11:24.720 And the child produced in that would be hers in some sense. 00:11:25.139 --> 00:11:27.519 This is a common cultural practice. 00:11:29.279 --> 00:11:36.199 And as you might imagine, it's a pretty ugly and messy story. 00:11:37.120 --> 00:11:38.299 Hagar gets pregnant. 00:11:39.299 --> 00:11:40.919 And the whole story goes sideways. 00:11:41.580 --> 00:11:43.179 She starts scorning Sarah. 00:11:43.480 --> 00:11:46.639 Sarah gets angry and vengeful, casts Hagar out. 00:11:46.639 --> 00:11:50.779 Hagar is wandering pregnant in the wilderness with nothing. 00:11:51.080 --> 00:12:00.600 And God intervenes, meets Hagar, blesses the fruit of her womb, and sends her back to live in Abraham's household. 00:12:01.539 --> 00:12:04.299 And the son, Ishmael, is born. 00:12:05.179 --> 00:12:12.259 The son created by this human mechanism to try to fulfill God's promise. 00:12:12.259 --> 00:12:18.200 Now, you read along, and, you know, there's more to Abraham's story that I'm just completely glossing over. 00:12:18.379 --> 00:12:23.439 But you get to chapter 21, probably about 15 years later. 00:12:23.879 --> 00:12:24.319 Right? 00:12:24.379 --> 00:12:27.139 So, this is now 25 years after the first promise. 00:12:27.639 --> 00:12:29.939 And Abraham and Sarah are now so old. 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:31.399 They're like 80 and 100. 00:12:31.919 --> 00:12:37.860 They're so old that they're like, there's no way that these bodies can produce children anymore. 00:12:37.860 --> 00:12:40.759 And God says, yeah, now it's time. 00:12:41.480 --> 00:12:42.980 And Sarah gets pregnant. 00:12:43.800 --> 00:12:45.340 Miraculously pregnant. 00:12:46.259 --> 00:12:47.879 And she bears a son. 00:12:49.220 --> 00:12:50.919 A son of promise. 00:12:52.720 --> 00:12:55.360 And this son is Isaac. 00:12:56.580 --> 00:13:05.039 Who becomes then of the Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the fathers of the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. 00:13:05.039 --> 00:13:08.360 So, this is the story. 00:13:08.819 --> 00:13:14.059 This is the backdrop to Paul's analogy. 00:13:14.259 --> 00:13:15.819 Now, I need to stop. 00:13:16.519 --> 00:13:24.799 I need to give a couple of, like, caveats or just to clear up some of the ways in which the church or people have misinterpreted this passage terribly 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:27.240 and made it say things that it has no means of saying. 00:13:27.620 --> 00:13:31.439 First of all, it's not about heroes and villains. 00:13:31.440 --> 00:13:37.000 Paul is not saying Sarah was a righteous woman and Hagar was an evil woman. 00:13:37.440 --> 00:13:39.260 And therefore, this is what happened. 00:13:40.360 --> 00:13:40.760 Right? 00:13:40.960 --> 00:13:44.320 In fact, you see in the story a rebuke of Sarah. 00:13:44.740 --> 00:13:48.660 You see God's special grace to Hagar. 00:13:50.080 --> 00:13:50.440 Right? 00:13:51.540 --> 00:13:57.040 And you see that in the middle of it, it's God who is the hero of the story. 00:13:57.039 --> 00:13:57.159 Right? 00:13:58.120 --> 00:14:03.019 And so, we need to make sure that we look at this because when Paul then uses these contrasts and says, 00:14:03.639 --> 00:14:07.939 the line of Sarah and promise is better than the line of Hagar and Ishmael, 00:14:08.099 --> 00:14:11.299 it's not a moral condemnation of them. 00:14:11.579 --> 00:14:13.759 It's about something else altogether. 00:14:14.059 --> 00:14:15.899 It's about God's redemptive plan. 00:14:16.579 --> 00:14:18.099 So, that's the first thing I need to say. 00:14:18.319 --> 00:14:21.000 The second thing I need to say, and maybe I should have said this first, 00:14:21.000 --> 00:14:26.240 but this passage does not condone either slavery or mistreatment of women. 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:27.259 Okay? 00:14:27.960 --> 00:14:32.379 There are lots of stories in the Old Testament that describe sinful actions. 00:14:32.899 --> 00:14:38.460 And it describes God being able to work in the midst of sinful actions without saying, 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:43.360 these actions are good or right or righteous or commendable. 00:14:43.360 --> 00:14:55.680 Third, we need to make sure that we don't read this passage as a rebuke of Ishmael and Ishmael's descendants 00:14:55.680 --> 00:14:59.940 who were the Arab people according to the Bible. 00:15:01.320 --> 00:15:01.700 Okay? 00:15:01.700 --> 00:15:08.259 It could be seen, and it has been seen in the church, 00:15:08.540 --> 00:15:16.460 that this is a condemnation of Arabic people, Arabic-speaking people, the descendants of Ishmael. 00:15:17.340 --> 00:15:19.400 But that is not the story at all. 00:15:19.720 --> 00:15:24.000 Because when you read the Old Testament, you see God did choose a people, 00:15:24.120 --> 00:15:26.140 the Jewish people, the descendants of Abraham. 00:15:26.540 --> 00:15:26.980 Why? 00:15:27.320 --> 00:15:29.040 Not because they were better. 00:15:29.440 --> 00:15:31.200 Not because they were righteous. 00:15:31.200 --> 00:15:34.680 Not because they had anything to commend themselves to at all. 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:42.240 Simply because He graciously chose to use them not as the terminal point of His redemptive plan, 00:15:42.379 --> 00:15:43.820 but as the beginning of it. 00:15:44.879 --> 00:15:48.980 And so, through Him, as you saw in Genesis 12, 00:15:49.440 --> 00:15:53.780 through Him, through Abraham's descendants, He would bless the whole world. 00:15:54.379 --> 00:15:57.700 So that all people might know the blessing of God, 00:15:57.700 --> 00:16:00.440 even the descendants of Hagar and Ishmael. 00:16:01.200 --> 00:16:15.220 So we need to make sure that we don't allow this to seep into our mind or to infect us in a way that allows us to begin to see racial disparities in this passage. 00:16:15.220 --> 00:16:16.100 Because it's not there. 00:16:16.820 --> 00:16:18.100 It's not God's purpose. 00:16:18.100 --> 00:16:18.940 Okay. 00:16:18.940 --> 00:16:18.980 Okay. 00:16:19.279 --> 00:16:24.620 I'm hoping that cleared the wood for some of you of, like, what in the world is this story all about? 00:16:24.820 --> 00:16:27.500 Let's try to get back to the passage, right? 00:16:27.659 --> 00:16:41.120 We have this story of God providing a child of promise after human fleshly endeavors tried to create a fulfillment of the promise on our own. 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:41.560 Okay. 00:16:41.560 --> 00:16:42.000 Okay. 00:16:42.060 --> 00:16:49.460 So, this is the contrast, then, that Paul is drawing on and uses the word allegory. 00:16:50.560 --> 00:16:51.279 Here's the thing. 00:16:51.340 --> 00:16:52.840 It's not actually the word allegory. 00:16:52.940 --> 00:16:57.179 Particularly those of you who are literary people, this is not a formal allegory in any way. 00:16:57.879 --> 00:17:03.860 And the word, the reason why it says allegory is because the Greek word is, like, allegorica or something like that. 00:17:03.860 --> 00:17:10.380 I didn't memorize it, but it's just, it's basically the Greek word that is the root of the English word allegory. 00:17:10.980 --> 00:17:21.460 Probably figuratively or as an illustration is a better translation of what he's doing as he's trying to say there are two, there's a contrast here. 00:17:21.539 --> 00:17:28.039 There are two ways to live that are represented by two children and two lines. 00:17:28.039 --> 00:17:28.480 Okay. 00:17:28.879 --> 00:17:33.700 So, the first one is, right, the son of the slave woman, Hagar. 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:38.539 He is born according to the flesh, according to human effort. 00:17:38.960 --> 00:17:43.799 He is related to Mount Sinai where Moses received the law. 00:17:44.220 --> 00:17:48.359 He's born into slavery because his mother, Hagar, was a slave. 00:17:48.359 --> 00:18:06.479 He corresponds, according to Paul, to the present Jerusalem, which means the first century Jerusalem, the first century picture of Judaism that Paul is confronting because of its works-based approach to relationship with God. 00:18:07.759 --> 00:18:11.759 And in this line, they do not inherit the blessing of Abraham. 00:18:13.979 --> 00:18:16.319 And then there's the other figure, right? 00:18:16.319 --> 00:18:22.559 The son of the free woman, Isaac, who is born through promise. 00:18:23.439 --> 00:18:27.899 He is related to the covenant with Abraham, the covenant of promise. 00:18:28.179 --> 00:18:44.559 He corresponds to the Jerusalem above, related to the freedom of those who know that faith in Christ alone is sufficient and completely all that we need for relating to God. 00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:55.019 And this one, the promised child, through him comes then, or he is then the one who receives the blessing of his father. 00:18:55.539 --> 00:19:01.899 Now, if you want to go back and unpack all the richness of what I just said, go back and listen to the last four sermons. 00:19:01.900 --> 00:19:11.940 Because all of these themes have been talked about multiple times in the last four sermons as we've unpacked this whole section. 00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:15.740 But Paul is trying to say, here's by analogy. 00:19:15.920 --> 00:19:17.540 There are sort of two ways to live. 00:19:17.880 --> 00:19:18.780 There are two lines. 00:19:18.900 --> 00:19:21.580 There are two children that you want to be a part of. 00:19:22.019 --> 00:19:22.240 Right? 00:19:22.240 --> 00:19:24.559 Either that of… 00:19:24.559 --> 00:19:25.319 And it's fascinating, right? 00:19:25.359 --> 00:19:29.359 Because Sarah is never mentioned, nor is Ishmael ever mentioned. 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:34.019 You only get Hagar and Isaac mentioned in the passage, which is, again, fascinating. 00:19:34.099 --> 00:19:36.339 There's an assumption that we all know these stories. 00:19:36.660 --> 00:19:38.120 But the argument is very clear. 00:19:38.640 --> 00:19:47.359 Why would you want to live in the way of the slave woman when you can live in the freedom of the promise? 00:19:47.359 --> 00:19:47.799 Right? 00:19:47.799 --> 00:19:48.279 Right? 00:19:48.279 --> 00:19:49.000 Right? 00:19:50.059 --> 00:20:04.159 Why would you want to live in a world of works-based righteousness when you can live in the complete sufficiency of Christ's work for us and faith in Him? 00:20:05.299 --> 00:20:07.679 You're a child of the new way. 00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:09.859 Don't go back to the old. 00:20:10.240 --> 00:20:11.439 It's spiritual slavery. 00:20:11.679 --> 00:20:12.500 It's futility. 00:20:12.639 --> 00:20:13.619 It's burdensome. 00:20:13.619 --> 00:20:19.139 Now, he doesn't explain all this. 00:20:19.239 --> 00:20:21.559 Again, he's been spending two chapters explaining it. 00:20:21.719 --> 00:20:23.379 So, I'm not going to go… 00:20:23.379 --> 00:20:24.859 But what is the basis of it? 00:20:24.919 --> 00:20:31.859 Well, he quotes the Old Testament twice to try to say, don't you want this new way more than the other old way? 00:20:32.759 --> 00:20:38.779 But as he quotes these two verses, it's not apparent why he quotes them necessarily on the surface. 00:20:38.939 --> 00:20:39.919 You just think, really? 00:20:39.920 --> 00:20:40.000 Really? 00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:44.400 So, primer on reading the Old Testament text. 00:20:44.759 --> 00:20:52.240 When the New Testament quotes the Old Testament, a lot of times we need to think carefully about how it's done. 00:20:52.940 --> 00:20:57.340 Sometimes there's a word connection that the writer is making. 00:20:57.539 --> 00:21:03.720 A word from a passage in the Old Testament is being picked up and being applied in the New Testament. 00:21:03.720 --> 00:21:19.180 But often, when a writer, particularly Paul, is writing and he's quoting the Old Testament, he's not just quoting the particular verses that are recorded, but he's also importing with that all of the context. 00:21:20.160 --> 00:21:21.279 Here's an illustration. 00:21:21.279 --> 00:21:26.099 For those of you who have read classic English literature, right? 00:21:26.579 --> 00:21:32.119 If you read older literature, the words of Shakespeare are littered throughout history. 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:40.160 And so, it might be in some 19th century novel where someone looks at his friend and says, et tu brute? 00:21:40.160 --> 00:21:42.440 And you think, what is that? 00:21:42.560 --> 00:21:43.920 It's a weird Latin phrase. 00:21:43.980 --> 00:21:45.940 I don't even know what that means, right? 00:21:46.259 --> 00:21:49.120 And then you realize, oh, well, he's quoting Shakespeare. 00:21:49.320 --> 00:21:51.519 And this is from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. 00:21:51.840 --> 00:21:59.700 And these are the words of Julius Caesar to his friend Brutus, who has just betrayed him and killed him. 00:22:00.500 --> 00:22:01.400 It's his demise. 00:22:01.519 --> 00:22:02.060 It's his end. 00:22:02.140 --> 00:22:04.279 The betrayal is final and tragic. 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:12.480 And so, the words et tu brute, which literally just mean, and you also, Brutus? 00:22:12.940 --> 00:22:14.579 Are you a part of this as well? 00:22:14.839 --> 00:22:16.599 The answer is, yep, he is. 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:22.079 But the bigger picture is, you've betrayed me. 00:22:22.180 --> 00:22:29.519 It's this huge picture of an ally turning into an enemy, right? 00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:38.420 But you only know that if you've read the play Julius Caesar, which doesn't necessarily correspond to history, but it's a great story, right? 00:22:40.039 --> 00:22:46.420 If you've read the story, then you can quote that little phrase, and everyone knows what it means. 00:22:46.960 --> 00:22:50.259 This is often what Paul is doing when he quotes the Old Testament. 00:22:51.119 --> 00:22:54.440 But because we are not steeped in the Old Testament the way Paul was, 00:22:55.160 --> 00:22:59.220 we need to do some exegesis and digging to figure out why does he do this. 00:22:59.220 --> 00:23:05.539 So, let's look at the two verses that Paul quotes in this passage as the basis for why he says, 00:23:05.779 --> 00:23:11.980 here's a contrast and there's a better one and a worse one for you to pick and choose. 00:23:12.559 --> 00:23:15.940 So, I told you this was going to be a complicated sermon. 00:23:16.019 --> 00:23:16.259 You ready? 00:23:16.940 --> 00:23:23.039 First one, Galatians 4.30 is a quote from Genesis 21. 00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:32.119 Remember, Genesis 21 is when Isaac is finally born to his very old parents as a miraculous gift. 00:23:33.960 --> 00:23:40.879 Paul quotes verse 10 of Genesis 21 in Galatians 4.30 saying, 00:23:41.359 --> 00:23:42.720 But what does the Scripture say? 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:49.119 Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit the son of the free woman. 00:23:49.119 --> 00:23:54.259 And basically what happens is, after Isaac is born, they're all living together, 00:23:54.439 --> 00:23:57.739 Hagar and Ishmael, Sarah and Isaac, in the same household. 00:23:58.139 --> 00:24:02.239 And they're going to have a celebration for Isaac being weaned. 00:24:02.639 --> 00:24:04.799 And Ishmael laughs at him. 00:24:04.839 --> 00:24:06.459 And there's some relational tension. 00:24:07.159 --> 00:24:08.219 And Sarah says, 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:09.279 That's enough. 00:24:11.179 --> 00:24:13.319 Hagar, Ishmael, they're out of here. 00:24:13.319 --> 00:24:15.359 I am tired of them living in this household. 00:24:15.899 --> 00:24:17.859 I don't want to have to share with them anymore. 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:20.259 I'm not saying it's good or right. 00:24:21.779 --> 00:24:23.439 Abraham's a little bit sheepish about this. 00:24:23.480 --> 00:24:23.779 He's like, 00:24:23.899 --> 00:24:25.159 I don't know, Sarah. 00:24:25.220 --> 00:24:26.259 Is that really the right thing? 00:24:26.299 --> 00:24:27.019 And then God says, 00:24:27.220 --> 00:24:28.139 It's okay. 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:31.139 Because God blesses Ishmael as he goes. 00:24:31.559 --> 00:24:35.279 God blesses Hagar as he provides for them. 00:24:35.659 --> 00:24:37.859 He doesn't condemn them or curse them. 00:24:38.339 --> 00:24:39.919 But what he does say is, 00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:41.220 This is right. 00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:41.659 Why? 00:24:41.660 --> 00:24:51.259 Because the child who is the fruit of human mechanism to fulfill my promises is not my way. 00:24:51.560 --> 00:24:55.380 This child over here, this child of Isaac, he is. 00:24:55.720 --> 00:25:00.640 He is the child of promise that I have provided miraculously for you. 00:25:02.540 --> 00:25:04.120 And this is a pattern. 00:25:04.840 --> 00:25:09.060 Because you know the other son that God provided miraculously for the world? 00:25:09.059 --> 00:25:13.359 This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:25:13.740 --> 00:25:15.539 The son of Abraham. 00:25:16.099 --> 00:25:17.559 The son of David. 00:25:18.159 --> 00:25:20.440 That's how Matthew begins his gospel. 00:25:21.539 --> 00:25:21.859 Right? 00:25:21.859 --> 00:25:24.279 So, Paul is saying, 00:25:24.779 --> 00:25:26.299 There is a promise here. 00:25:26.599 --> 00:25:27.359 The seed, 00:25:27.559 --> 00:25:33.219 The seed of the promise that comes through Isaac leads us all the way to Jesus Christ. 00:25:33.220 --> 00:25:35.220 And to this new way. 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:36.960 And to this new way. 00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:40.740 Because Christ becomes the beginning of the new people. 00:25:43.700 --> 00:25:44.759 So, Paul says, 00:25:44.980 --> 00:25:46.500 See, if you read your Old Testament, 00:25:47.100 --> 00:25:48.380 Even the law says, 00:25:49.100 --> 00:25:52.480 Faith in Christ is where this is all leading to. 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:58.900 He does the same thing in verse 27 of Galatians 4 as well. 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:02.539 In Galatians 4, 27, 00:26:02.779 --> 00:26:04.819 He's quoting from Isaiah, 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.900 Chapters 54. 00:26:09.079 --> 00:26:10.360 I'm going to read it for you. 00:26:10.420 --> 00:26:11.160 Verse 27. 00:26:11.160 --> 00:26:12.040 For it is written, 00:26:12.420 --> 00:26:14.820 Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear. 00:26:15.740 --> 00:26:17.259 Break forth and cry aloud, 00:26:17.440 --> 00:26:18.680 You who are not in labor. 00:26:19.580 --> 00:26:25.080 For the children of the desolate will be more than those of the one who has a husband. 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:29.340 This is a passage that Alex read earlier. 00:26:31.040 --> 00:26:32.240 In the ancient culture, 00:26:32.360 --> 00:26:33.860 And maybe to a certain extent today, 00:26:34.680 --> 00:26:36.740 Being barren was a shameful thing. 00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:40.839 And so, his words are meant to be heard as a surprise. 00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:42.079 Isaiah says, 00:26:42.599 --> 00:26:45.440 The barren woman can rejoice with loud praise. 00:26:45.920 --> 00:26:46.400 Why? 00:26:47.339 --> 00:26:52.220 Well, because her children will be more than those of the woman who has a husband. 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:53.960 That is, who is able to bear children. 00:26:54.359 --> 00:26:56.680 That's the implication of that phrase. 00:26:57.160 --> 00:27:00.839 Sarah represents the barren woman who couldn't have children for so long. 00:27:01.220 --> 00:27:03.200 Hagar represents the woman who had a husband. 00:27:03.200 --> 00:27:06.319 That is, she was given to Abraham and had a child. 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:07.759 Because she was fertile. 00:27:09.140 --> 00:27:10.079 And Paul is saying, 00:27:10.160 --> 00:27:10.819 Don't you see? 00:27:11.200 --> 00:27:13.779 Though the way of Hagar seems to be better, 00:27:13.819 --> 00:27:16.740 Because it produced fruit through human mechanism, 00:27:17.380 --> 00:27:19.660 Through trusting in human plans, 00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:22.140 In the end, 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:25.460 That will be a dead end. 00:27:26.539 --> 00:27:29.059 Over here is the way of the barren woman, 00:27:29.180 --> 00:27:31.640 Who God miraculously intervenes. 00:27:31.640 --> 00:27:34.000 And the children of her will be more. 00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:36.640 They will be greater than that. 00:27:36.740 --> 00:27:43.220 Because God will miraculously do far more than what we can do through our human mechanisms, 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:45.220 Or through our human works. 00:27:47.200 --> 00:27:49.440 So this is what God is saying, 00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:53.880 To the people of Israel. 00:27:54.519 --> 00:27:55.460 There's a way here. 00:27:55.680 --> 00:27:57.519 Through Sarah the seed will come, 00:27:57.599 --> 00:28:01.000 And the eternal people of God will be greater than it all. 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:03.180 So that's the immediate verse, 00:28:03.180 --> 00:28:04.359 And it's exegesis. 00:28:04.359 --> 00:28:11.400 But the context brings then this mack truck of wonderful connotations to this great truth. 00:28:11.400 --> 00:28:13.640 Because if you read the book of Isaiah, 00:28:13.880 --> 00:28:17.600 You realize that in chapter 40 through 55, 00:28:17.880 --> 00:28:23.580 This is a long section of word of promise to the people of God while they are in exile. 00:28:23.579 --> 00:28:26.299 When it feels like God has abandoned them, 00:28:27.500 --> 00:28:30.059 Isaiah comes and speaks word of hope, 00:28:30.059 --> 00:28:31.379 That God is not forgetting, 00:28:31.599 --> 00:28:33.460 That He in fact will redeem them, 00:28:33.500 --> 00:28:34.639 And He will restore them, 00:28:34.759 --> 00:28:37.819 And He's going to do something even greater than what He's done before. 00:28:37.819 --> 00:28:43.980 And He will do it through one who will be a suffering servant on behalf of His people. 00:28:46.139 --> 00:28:49.779 And so in Isaiah 49, verse 6, 00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:51.579 Isaiah says this, 00:28:51.579 --> 00:28:57.879 It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, 00:28:57.879 --> 00:29:00.480 And to bring back the preserved of Israel. 00:29:00.879 --> 00:29:03.839 I will make you as a light for the nations, 00:29:03.839 --> 00:29:09.000 That my salvation shall reach to the ends of the earth. 00:29:11.339 --> 00:29:13.339 And then a couple of chapters later, 00:29:13.879 --> 00:29:15.159 In Isaiah 53, 00:29:15.339 --> 00:29:17.859 That famous passage about the suffering servant, 00:29:17.980 --> 00:29:20.959 And how He will bear the transgressions of the people. 00:29:21.619 --> 00:29:24.299 In verse 10, Isaiah writes, 00:29:24.459 --> 00:29:26.659 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him. 00:29:27.000 --> 00:29:28.220 He has put him to grief. 00:29:28.619 --> 00:29:31.179 When his soul made an offering for guilt, 00:29:31.619 --> 00:29:33.699 He shall see his offspring, 00:29:34.399 --> 00:29:35.959 He shall prolong his days, 00:29:36.019 --> 00:29:38.659 And the will of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. 00:29:39.099 --> 00:29:41.139 Out of anguish of his soul, 00:29:41.220 --> 00:29:42.980 He shall see and be satisfied. 00:29:43.720 --> 00:29:46.299 By His knowledge shall the righteous one, 00:29:46.299 --> 00:29:46.879 My servant, 00:29:47.379 --> 00:29:50.720 Make many to be accounted righteous, 00:29:51.119 --> 00:29:53.379 And He shall bear their iniquities. 00:29:54.000 --> 00:29:58.399 Do you see how those two verses pull together some grand themes? 00:29:58.400 --> 00:30:01.720 The way that God's coming redemption, 00:30:01.720 --> 00:30:04.200 The promise of what He's going to bring, 00:30:04.540 --> 00:30:05.160 Is one, 00:30:05.280 --> 00:30:07.480 It's going to be not just for the Jewish people, 00:30:07.560 --> 00:30:08.740 But for all peoples, 00:30:08.840 --> 00:30:09.860 For the whole earth. 00:30:10.080 --> 00:30:11.320 And how will He do it? 00:30:11.500 --> 00:30:13.460 He will do it through this one, 00:30:13.640 --> 00:30:16.440 Who will suffer for His people, 00:30:16.960 --> 00:30:19.880 So that many will be counted righteous, 00:30:20.140 --> 00:30:21.920 And He will see His offspring. 00:30:21.920 --> 00:30:26.440 And these verses then in the New Testament 00:30:26.440 --> 00:30:27.960 Are applied to Jesus. 00:30:28.360 --> 00:30:30.140 Jesus is the suffering servant. 00:30:30.560 --> 00:30:32.480 Jesus is the one who comes, 00:30:32.480 --> 00:30:35.240 Not merely to redeem Israel, 00:30:35.440 --> 00:30:38.640 But to provide a salvation for the whole world. 00:30:39.759 --> 00:30:40.080 Right? 00:30:40.580 --> 00:30:43.080 So that Jew and Gentile alike 00:30:43.080 --> 00:30:45.740 Are called to be God's offspring 00:30:45.740 --> 00:30:48.140 Through faith in Christ. 00:30:48.140 --> 00:30:48.259 Christ. 00:30:48.700 --> 00:30:51.060 Because this is the line of the promise. 00:30:52.160 --> 00:30:54.580 And this is the challenge that Paul is giving 00:30:54.580 --> 00:30:56.540 To those in the first century 00:30:56.540 --> 00:31:00.880 Who were telling the Christians in Galatia 00:31:00.880 --> 00:31:03.259 That they needed to become more Jewish. 00:31:04.300 --> 00:31:05.300 Jesus is saying, 00:31:05.660 --> 00:31:07.920 You don't become more Jewish by going backwards. 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:10.020 Because if you go backwards, 00:31:10.400 --> 00:31:11.720 Whose line are you in? 00:31:12.040 --> 00:31:13.600 You're not in the line of promise. 00:31:13.800 --> 00:31:15.160 You're in the line of Hagar. 00:31:15.420 --> 00:31:16.940 The line of human mechanism. 00:31:17.100 --> 00:31:17.940 The line of flesh. 00:31:18.140 --> 00:31:20.580 The line of justification by works. 00:31:20.860 --> 00:31:22.380 That's not the way forward. 00:31:23.080 --> 00:31:25.480 The way forward is through the line of promise. 00:31:25.480 --> 00:31:27.800 Through God's miraculous provision 00:31:27.800 --> 00:31:30.560 For the salvation and redemption of His people. 00:31:30.820 --> 00:31:32.880 That will be greater than any. 00:31:33.460 --> 00:31:34.820 And this is what God has done. 00:31:35.080 --> 00:31:36.780 Through Christ. 00:31:38.820 --> 00:31:39.940 And friends, 00:31:40.680 --> 00:31:43.740 This is why we don't want a contract. 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:45.000 We want the promise. 00:31:45.000 --> 00:31:47.299 We want the promise. 00:31:47.900 --> 00:31:51.579 Because the promise is so much richer. 00:31:52.079 --> 00:31:54.059 So much more glorious. 00:31:54.400 --> 00:31:55.559 So much greater. 00:31:56.559 --> 00:31:58.960 The reason why we love the contract 00:31:58.960 --> 00:32:00.700 Is because we think religion 00:32:00.700 --> 00:32:02.180 And our relationship with God 00:32:02.180 --> 00:32:03.279 Is something we can do. 00:32:04.099 --> 00:32:05.519 I like the parameters. 00:32:05.740 --> 00:32:06.660 I know what I can do. 00:32:06.740 --> 00:32:07.740 I can check my boxes 00:32:07.740 --> 00:32:09.140 And then I can say to God, 00:32:09.140 --> 00:32:11.200 Okay God, now you must bless me. 00:32:12.860 --> 00:32:16.300 And our human hearts crave for that kind of control. 00:32:17.800 --> 00:32:19.480 And God calls us 00:32:19.480 --> 00:32:21.640 To surrender that. 00:32:23.100 --> 00:32:24.320 To recognize, 00:32:24.860 --> 00:32:26.360 Like the old hymn says, 00:32:26.460 --> 00:32:28.580 That there is nothing in our hands 00:32:28.580 --> 00:32:30.000 That we can bring. 00:32:30.000 --> 00:32:33.160 But simply to the cross, 00:32:33.440 --> 00:32:34.339 We cling. 00:32:35.160 --> 00:32:36.579 We come to Christ 00:32:36.579 --> 00:32:38.839 Because He is the fulfillment 00:32:38.839 --> 00:32:41.180 Of that seed of promise. 00:32:42.460 --> 00:32:44.359 And that by faith in Him 00:32:44.359 --> 00:32:46.079 Who has done everything 00:32:46.079 --> 00:32:47.319 To satisfy the law. 00:32:47.319 --> 00:32:48.980 Who is the fulfillment 00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:50.319 Of the children of Abraham. 00:32:50.720 --> 00:32:51.960 So that, as Romans says, 00:32:52.259 --> 00:32:54.759 All who have faith in Christ 00:32:54.759 --> 00:32:56.380 Are children of Abraham. 00:32:56.700 --> 00:32:57.200 And in fact, 00:32:57.259 --> 00:32:59.140 They are the true children of Abraham. 00:33:00.000 --> 00:33:00.859 They are the ones 00:33:00.859 --> 00:33:02.859 Who know where they stand before God. 00:33:02.980 --> 00:33:04.559 Not because it's been secured 00:33:04.559 --> 00:33:05.380 By our works, 00:33:05.480 --> 00:33:06.599 But because it's been secured 00:33:06.599 --> 00:33:07.759 By the perfect 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:09.680 And all sufficient work of Christ. 00:33:11.819 --> 00:33:12.859 That's the promise 00:33:12.859 --> 00:33:13.940 That we want to live in. 00:33:14.339 --> 00:33:16.000 That's where we want to be. 00:33:17.119 --> 00:33:17.940 Paul says, 00:33:18.160 --> 00:33:18.799 Don't go back. 00:33:19.380 --> 00:33:21.079 Don't go back to this 00:33:21.079 --> 00:33:23.960 Measly, weak, 00:33:24.539 --> 00:33:26.579 Unhelpful pattern of living. 00:33:27.500 --> 00:33:28.799 Don't do it. 00:33:28.799 --> 00:33:30.819 God has given us 00:33:30.819 --> 00:33:32.419 Much better. 00:33:35.180 --> 00:33:35.759 And so, 00:33:37.119 --> 00:33:37.500 It's funny, 00:33:37.579 --> 00:33:38.639 Nick and I didn't plan this. 00:33:39.799 --> 00:33:40.419 But so, 00:33:40.720 --> 00:33:41.419 Peter writes 00:33:41.419 --> 00:33:43.119 In 2 Peter chapter 1, 00:33:43.759 --> 00:33:44.940 His divine power 00:33:44.940 --> 00:33:46.180 Has granted to us 00:33:46.180 --> 00:33:47.579 All things that pertain 00:33:47.579 --> 00:33:48.759 To life and godliness 00:33:48.759 --> 00:33:50.399 Through the knowledge of Him 00:33:50.399 --> 00:33:51.319 Who called us 00:33:51.319 --> 00:33:53.059 To His own glory 00:33:53.059 --> 00:33:53.899 And excellence. 00:33:54.139 --> 00:33:55.519 By which He has granted 00:33:55.519 --> 00:33:57.680 To us His precious 00:33:57.680 --> 00:33:58.839 And great promises 00:33:58.839 --> 00:34:01.240 So that through them 00:34:01.240 --> 00:34:02.019 You may become 00:34:02.019 --> 00:34:03.680 Partakers of the divine nature 00:34:03.680 --> 00:34:04.940 Having escaped 00:34:04.940 --> 00:34:05.720 From the corruption 00:34:05.720 --> 00:34:07.259 That is in the world 00:34:07.259 --> 00:34:09.059 Because of sinful desire. 00:34:09.059 --> 00:34:13.079 This is what it means 00:34:13.079 --> 00:34:14.840 To be children of promise. 00:34:15.500 --> 00:34:16.940 We have received 00:34:16.940 --> 00:34:18.980 The one who has fulfilled 00:34:18.980 --> 00:34:20.599 The promises of the Old Testament 00:34:20.599 --> 00:34:23.279 And who secures for us 00:34:23.279 --> 00:34:25.559 The promise of an eternal salvation 00:34:25.559 --> 00:34:27.320 And a glory that is to come 00:34:27.320 --> 00:34:29.079 That is beyond all imagination. 00:34:29.079 --> 00:34:31.699 And as we will see 00:34:31.699 --> 00:34:32.179 In the coming 00:34:32.179 --> 00:34:34.880 Two chapters of Galatians 00:34:34.880 --> 00:34:37.819 And as His children now 00:34:37.819 --> 00:34:39.579 In the freedom of the gospel 00:34:39.579 --> 00:34:40.880 We will then now 00:34:40.880 --> 00:34:42.599 Live a transformed life 00:34:42.599 --> 00:34:43.799 Where we will do 00:34:43.799 --> 00:34:45.460 Good works of love 00:34:45.460 --> 00:34:46.980 We will bear fruit 00:34:46.980 --> 00:34:48.519 Of love and patience 00:34:48.519 --> 00:34:49.799 And peace and kindness 00:34:49.799 --> 00:34:50.960 And goodness and faithfulness 00:34:50.960 --> 00:34:51.619 And self-control. 00:34:51.619 --> 00:34:54.000 We will do all of these things 00:34:54.000 --> 00:34:56.179 Because we are children 00:34:56.179 --> 00:34:57.559 Of promise. 00:34:57.559 --> 00:34:59.880 Because Christ has done 00:34:59.880 --> 00:35:01.759 Everything for us. 00:35:03.679 --> 00:35:04.340 Okay. 00:35:05.639 --> 00:35:06.599 I'm still good. 00:35:07.099 --> 00:35:08.159 We still got five minutes. 00:35:08.679 --> 00:35:09.239 Application. 00:35:12.480 --> 00:35:14.239 How do we think about this 00:35:14.239 --> 00:35:14.820 In ourselves? 00:35:15.639 --> 00:35:17.039 What's the distinction 00:35:17.039 --> 00:35:18.299 Between when we think 00:35:18.299 --> 00:35:19.799 About our relationship with God 00:35:19.799 --> 00:35:20.639 As a contract 00:35:20.639 --> 00:35:21.960 Versus how we think 00:35:21.960 --> 00:35:23.480 About our relationship with God 00:35:23.480 --> 00:35:25.599 Through the eyes of promise? 00:35:25.599 --> 00:35:29.039 Here's my best attempt. 00:35:29.779 --> 00:35:30.779 It's easy for us 00:35:30.779 --> 00:35:31.960 To think about our life 00:35:31.960 --> 00:35:33.719 And our families this way. 00:35:33.799 --> 00:35:34.519 I'm thinking about 00:35:34.519 --> 00:35:35.699 Probably from the perspective 00:35:35.699 --> 00:35:36.960 Of a spouse and a parent. 00:35:37.339 --> 00:35:38.579 But you can fill in 00:35:38.579 --> 00:35:39.480 If you're a child 00:35:39.480 --> 00:35:41.799 If you're a single 00:35:41.799 --> 00:35:42.679 But you think about 00:35:42.679 --> 00:35:43.400 Your relationship 00:35:43.400 --> 00:35:45.400 In your workplace 00:35:45.400 --> 00:35:47.579 In your friendships 00:35:47.579 --> 00:35:51.440 If I am faithful 00:35:51.440 --> 00:35:54.340 To do my duties 00:35:54.340 --> 00:35:56.980 As a father 00:35:56.980 --> 00:35:58.259 To provide 00:35:58.259 --> 00:36:00.460 Physical provision 00:36:00.460 --> 00:36:01.279 For my family 00:36:01.279 --> 00:36:03.380 God will give me security. 00:36:03.719 --> 00:36:05.159 This is my contract thinking. 00:36:05.699 --> 00:36:06.739 If I keep myself 00:36:06.739 --> 00:36:08.019 Pure sexually 00:36:08.019 --> 00:36:09.460 Before marriage 00:36:09.460 --> 00:36:10.179 And in marriage 00:36:10.179 --> 00:36:12.059 Then God will bless me 00:36:12.059 --> 00:36:14.019 With an amazing sex life. 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:16.980 If I serve God well 00:36:16.980 --> 00:36:19.400 Then God will give me 00:36:19.400 --> 00:36:20.500 Earthly comfort. 00:36:21.559 --> 00:36:22.900 If I take my family 00:36:22.900 --> 00:36:23.900 To church every Sunday 00:36:23.900 --> 00:36:25.759 God will make them 00:36:25.759 --> 00:36:26.759 Faithful believers. 00:36:27.800 --> 00:36:29.639 If I dote on my spouse 00:36:29.639 --> 00:36:30.400 Properly 00:36:30.400 --> 00:36:32.199 Then God will protect me 00:36:32.199 --> 00:36:34.360 From relational disappointment. 00:36:36.840 --> 00:36:37.699 Now look 00:36:37.699 --> 00:36:39.500 All those things 00:36:39.500 --> 00:36:40.340 That we're doing 00:36:40.340 --> 00:36:41.119 Are good things. 00:36:41.440 --> 00:36:42.079 There's nothing wrong 00:36:42.079 --> 00:36:43.099 With any of those things. 00:36:43.299 --> 00:36:44.380 We should do them, right? 00:36:45.139 --> 00:36:47.739 But the contract mind says 00:36:47.739 --> 00:36:49.460 I'm doing them 00:36:49.460 --> 00:36:52.079 So that God will. 00:36:52.460 --> 00:36:52.759 Right? 00:36:53.079 --> 00:36:54.019 I do this 00:36:54.019 --> 00:36:54.799 So that X 00:36:54.799 --> 00:36:56.759 I will do these X things 00:36:56.759 --> 00:36:58.079 So that God will give me 00:36:58.079 --> 00:36:59.199 Y results. 00:37:00.880 --> 00:37:02.340 But what does it look like 00:37:02.340 --> 00:37:03.440 If we look at it 00:37:03.440 --> 00:37:05.199 Through the lens 00:37:05.199 --> 00:37:06.699 Of fulfilled promise. 00:37:06.960 --> 00:37:08.960 Because of the precious promises 00:37:08.960 --> 00:37:10.759 Fulfilled in Christ. 00:37:10.760 --> 00:37:13.140 My desire 00:37:13.140 --> 00:37:14.580 My pursuit of purity 00:37:14.580 --> 00:37:15.600 In marriage 00:37:15.600 --> 00:37:16.600 Before 00:37:16.600 --> 00:37:17.840 And in it 00:37:17.840 --> 00:37:19.780 Is because Christ 00:37:19.780 --> 00:37:21.380 Has washed me clean 00:37:21.380 --> 00:37:22.880 From sin 00:37:22.880 --> 00:37:24.620 And I want to 00:37:24.620 --> 00:37:26.060 I want to cling to that 00:37:26.060 --> 00:37:26.920 And live in that 00:37:26.920 --> 00:37:28.440 And not turn back. 00:37:30.700 --> 00:37:32.220 My faithful provision 00:37:32.220 --> 00:37:34.240 For my family 00:37:34.240 --> 00:37:35.560 Comes not so that God 00:37:35.560 --> 00:37:36.300 Will give me things 00:37:36.300 --> 00:37:37.220 But in a deep trust 00:37:37.220 --> 00:37:38.640 That God has been 00:37:38.639 --> 00:37:39.379 And will continue 00:37:39.379 --> 00:37:40.199 To be faithful 00:37:40.199 --> 00:37:43.179 And I can glorify Him 00:37:43.179 --> 00:37:44.239 By using the things 00:37:44.239 --> 00:37:44.759 He gives me 00:37:44.759 --> 00:37:45.920 To bless those 00:37:45.920 --> 00:37:47.000 Around me. 00:37:48.059 --> 00:37:49.460 My serving God 00:37:49.460 --> 00:37:50.739 Comes not from 00:37:50.739 --> 00:37:52.420 A desire to get 00:37:52.420 --> 00:37:53.440 Something from God 00:37:53.440 --> 00:37:54.699 But a deep desire 00:37:54.699 --> 00:37:56.159 To make God known 00:37:56.159 --> 00:37:57.099 And to help others 00:37:57.099 --> 00:37:58.000 Know Him more 00:37:58.000 --> 00:37:59.819 By the way that I serve. 00:38:01.699 --> 00:38:03.000 My church attendance 00:38:03.000 --> 00:38:03.639 Comes 00:38:03.639 --> 00:38:05.539 Not so that I can 00:38:05.539 --> 00:38:06.099 Check a box 00:38:06.099 --> 00:38:06.779 And say God 00:38:06.779 --> 00:38:07.799 Is that good enough? 00:38:08.579 --> 00:38:09.920 But because I love 00:38:09.920 --> 00:38:10.980 To worship God 00:38:10.980 --> 00:38:11.719 With His people 00:38:11.719 --> 00:38:13.259 Because I need 00:38:13.259 --> 00:38:14.659 The fellowship 00:38:14.659 --> 00:38:15.719 Of other brothers 00:38:15.719 --> 00:38:16.400 And sisters 00:38:16.400 --> 00:38:17.299 So that I can 00:38:17.299 --> 00:38:18.400 Know God more 00:38:18.400 --> 00:38:19.119 And grow in Him 00:38:19.119 --> 00:38:20.079 And so that I can 00:38:20.079 --> 00:38:21.179 Encourage them 00:38:21.179 --> 00:38:22.759 Not because it's 00:38:22.759 --> 00:38:25.219 What I am served by 00:38:25.219 --> 00:38:26.599 Or what I get out of it. 00:38:26.599 --> 00:38:30.960 My doting on my spouse 00:38:30.960 --> 00:38:33.519 Isn't so that 00:38:33.519 --> 00:38:35.500 She has to respond 00:38:35.500 --> 00:38:36.639 And dot on me back 00:38:36.639 --> 00:38:37.799 In the ways that I want to 00:38:37.799 --> 00:38:38.639 And here's the checklist 00:38:38.639 --> 00:38:40.920 But I do it because 00:38:40.920 --> 00:38:42.079 God has loved me. 00:38:47.759 --> 00:38:49.579 I don't do any of these things 00:38:49.579 --> 00:38:51.500 If I live as a child of promise 00:38:51.500 --> 00:38:53.699 To get things from God 00:38:53.699 --> 00:38:55.639 But simply because 00:38:55.639 --> 00:38:58.480 God has already done 00:38:58.480 --> 00:39:00.000 All that I need. 00:39:00.519 --> 00:39:02.719 Because God is all sufficient. 00:39:03.960 --> 00:39:05.939 Because in His love 00:39:05.939 --> 00:39:07.460 In His mercy 00:39:07.460 --> 00:39:08.819 In His grace 00:39:08.819 --> 00:39:10.619 In the giving of His spirit 00:39:10.619 --> 00:39:12.500 In the giving of His word 00:39:12.500 --> 00:39:14.539 He has done everything 00:39:14.539 --> 00:39:16.019 For me. 00:39:17.159 --> 00:39:19.199 And so I simply receive 00:39:19.199 --> 00:39:19.819 Those things 00:39:19.819 --> 00:39:21.279 And I live my life 00:39:21.279 --> 00:39:22.559 Not to get them 00:39:22.559 --> 00:39:23.380 Or to earn them 00:39:23.380 --> 00:39:24.440 Or to have this 00:39:24.440 --> 00:39:25.719 Quid pro quo with God 00:39:25.719 --> 00:39:26.599 But because 00:39:26.599 --> 00:39:27.799 He has already given me 00:39:27.799 --> 00:39:29.119 More than I could ever imagine. 00:39:31.480 --> 00:39:33.179 And in that I find myself 00:39:33.179 --> 00:39:33.699 Content 00:39:33.699 --> 00:39:35.400 And satisfied 00:39:35.400 --> 00:39:36.639 And joyful 00:39:36.639 --> 00:39:37.799 And giving. 00:39:39.179 --> 00:39:40.699 This is what it looks like 00:39:40.699 --> 00:39:42.460 To live as children of promise. 00:39:43.460 --> 00:39:45.159 And it's not just in our families. 00:39:45.860 --> 00:39:47.860 This is how we pursue our career. 00:39:48.259 --> 00:39:50.019 Not demanding that it give us 00:39:50.019 --> 00:39:51.139 Identity or meaning. 00:39:51.699 --> 00:39:53.420 But to serve God. 00:39:54.039 --> 00:39:55.139 This is how we pursue 00:39:55.139 --> 00:39:56.320 Our dating lives. 00:39:56.639 --> 00:39:57.880 Not so that we can 00:39:57.880 --> 00:39:59.380 Be fulfilled 00:39:59.380 --> 00:40:00.340 Or find pleasure 00:40:00.340 --> 00:40:01.780 Or you know 00:40:01.780 --> 00:40:02.920 You complete me. 00:40:03.340 --> 00:40:04.860 But so that 00:40:04.860 --> 00:40:06.780 So that we can see 00:40:06.780 --> 00:40:08.019 God's provision 00:40:08.019 --> 00:40:09.900 Whether this person 00:40:09.900 --> 00:40:10.739 May or may not be 00:40:10.739 --> 00:40:12.079 God's provision for me 00:40:12.079 --> 00:40:14.480 As we pursue Christ together. 00:40:15.480 --> 00:40:16.079 Right? 00:40:16.079 --> 00:40:19.319 We love the people around us 00:40:19.319 --> 00:40:21.460 Because 00:40:21.460 --> 00:40:24.199 That's the God that we know. 00:40:28.579 --> 00:40:29.420 If you 00:40:29.420 --> 00:40:31.679 Are a student 00:40:31.679 --> 00:40:32.719 You do studies. 00:40:32.940 --> 00:40:33.279 Why? 00:40:34.579 --> 00:40:35.699 Is it to get the grade? 00:40:36.159 --> 00:40:36.900 Is it to get the 00:40:36.900 --> 00:40:38.500 Get the position 00:40:38.500 --> 00:40:39.299 The acceptance 00:40:39.299 --> 00:40:40.299 The next step 00:40:40.299 --> 00:40:40.920 On the ladder 00:40:40.920 --> 00:40:42.199 Of the rung 00:40:42.199 --> 00:40:42.860 Of academia? 00:40:42.860 --> 00:40:43.180 No. 00:40:43.980 --> 00:40:44.380 No. 00:40:45.599 --> 00:40:46.700 No, we do our studies 00:40:46.700 --> 00:40:48.660 So that we can explore 00:40:48.660 --> 00:40:50.019 The world that God has made. 00:40:50.260 --> 00:40:51.460 So that we can see 00:40:51.460 --> 00:40:52.000 His glory 00:40:52.000 --> 00:40:53.340 And describe its glory. 00:40:53.539 --> 00:40:54.660 So that we can use 00:40:54.660 --> 00:40:55.559 All the faculties 00:40:55.559 --> 00:40:56.380 That He gives us 00:40:56.380 --> 00:40:56.860 To be 00:40:56.860 --> 00:40:58.400 Go back to John's 00:40:58.400 --> 00:41:00.000 Sunday school 00:41:00.000 --> 00:41:00.180 On 00:41:00.180 --> 00:41:01.920 So we can be sub-creators 00:41:01.920 --> 00:41:03.480 And be 00:41:03.480 --> 00:41:05.140 In a way 00:41:05.140 --> 00:41:06.539 Reflecting God 00:41:06.539 --> 00:41:07.860 In this world 00:41:07.860 --> 00:41:09.099 By how we do our studies. 00:41:09.099 --> 00:41:11.059 Not to get things from Him 00:41:11.059 --> 00:41:13.400 But to display His glory. 00:41:15.279 --> 00:41:16.299 And friends 00:41:16.299 --> 00:41:17.779 If this is the life 00:41:17.779 --> 00:41:18.759 That we can have 00:41:18.759 --> 00:41:22.679 By being children of promise 00:41:22.679 --> 00:41:24.259 And forsaking 00:41:24.259 --> 00:41:25.619 For good 00:41:25.619 --> 00:41:27.480 The life of 00:41:27.480 --> 00:41:29.299 Justification by works 00:41:29.299 --> 00:41:30.779 Doing it ourselves 00:41:30.779 --> 00:41:31.699 And thinking that 00:41:31.699 --> 00:41:32.779 By that 00:41:32.779 --> 00:41:33.619 We can somehow 00:41:33.619 --> 00:41:34.599 Be in control 00:41:34.599 --> 00:41:35.799 We can somehow 00:41:35.799 --> 00:41:38.759 Know the outcome 00:41:38.759 --> 00:41:40.719 Instead we abandon ourselves 00:41:40.719 --> 00:41:41.659 To a promise 00:41:41.659 --> 00:41:42.519 Keeping God 00:41:42.519 --> 00:41:45.420 Friends 00:41:45.420 --> 00:41:47.000 This is glorious freedom 00:41:47.000 --> 00:41:48.619 This is what Paul says 00:41:48.619 --> 00:41:50.159 In verse 5 00:41:50.159 --> 00:41:51.019 In chapter 5 00:41:51.019 --> 00:41:51.420 Verse 1 00:41:51.420 --> 00:41:52.539 For freedom Christ 00:41:52.539 --> 00:41:53.360 Has set us free 00:41:53.360 --> 00:41:54.739 Stand firm therefore 00:41:54.739 --> 00:41:55.739 And do not submit 00:41:55.739 --> 00:41:56.639 Again 00:41:56.639 --> 00:41:57.819 To a yoke of slavery 00:41:57.819 --> 00:41:59.199 Nick will preach on that 00:41:59.199 --> 00:41:59.679 Next week 00:41:59.679 --> 00:42:01.039 But with that 00:42:01.039 --> 00:42:01.699 Let's pray 00:42:01.699 --> 00:42:10.539 Lord we are thankful 00:42:10.539 --> 00:42:11.659 To you this morning 00:42:11.659 --> 00:42:13.480 That you are 00:42:13.480 --> 00:42:16.399 A promise 00:42:16.399 --> 00:42:17.079 Keeping God 00:42:17.079 --> 00:42:20.259 Lord that you have 00:42:20.259 --> 00:42:22.119 In Christ 00:42:22.119 --> 00:42:23.500 Done all 00:42:23.500 --> 00:42:24.939 That is necessary 00:42:24.939 --> 00:42:25.899 For us to be 00:42:25.899 --> 00:42:26.460 Your children 00:42:26.460 --> 00:42:28.059 That the blessings 00:42:28.059 --> 00:42:28.679 Of Abraham 00:42:28.679 --> 00:42:29.939 Are ours 00:42:29.939 --> 00:42:31.000 Because of Christ 00:42:31.000 --> 00:42:33.840 Lord that we are 00:42:33.840 --> 00:42:34.380 Your people 00:42:34.380 --> 00:42:34.840 And you are 00:42:34.840 --> 00:42:35.400 Our God 00:42:35.400 --> 00:42:37.480 Because Christ 00:42:37.480 --> 00:42:38.599 Has fulfilled the law 00:42:38.599 --> 00:42:41.179 Lord that you 00:42:41.179 --> 00:42:42.980 Are our king 00:42:42.980 --> 00:42:43.780 Because Christ 00:42:43.780 --> 00:42:44.239 Came 00:42:44.239 --> 00:42:45.820 To lay down 00:42:45.820 --> 00:42:46.900 His life for us 00:42:46.900 --> 00:42:49.059 Lord you have 00:42:49.059 --> 00:42:49.760 Fulfilled all 00:42:49.760 --> 00:42:50.780 These great promises 00:42:50.780 --> 00:42:53.920 And Lord even now 00:42:53.920 --> 00:42:54.699 We live with your 00:42:54.699 --> 00:42:55.440 Great and precious 00:42:55.440 --> 00:42:56.420 Promises that 00:42:56.420 --> 00:42:57.739 Though we may 00:42:57.739 --> 00:42:58.619 For a little while 00:42:58.619 --> 00:43:00.280 Suffer in this life 00:43:00.280 --> 00:43:01.500 Yet we know 00:43:01.500 --> 00:43:02.300 That with you 00:43:02.300 --> 00:43:03.340 There is an eternity 00:43:03.340 --> 00:43:04.400 That is 00:43:04.400 --> 00:43:05.760 Lord 00:43:05.760 --> 00:43:07.660 Beyond comparison 00:43:07.660 --> 00:43:10.480 And Lord that even now 00:43:10.480 --> 00:43:12.040 We have your spirit 00:43:12.040 --> 00:43:13.820 And your word 00:43:13.820 --> 00:43:15.060 And life with you 00:43:15.060 --> 00:43:16.980 So that we might 00:43:16.980 --> 00:43:18.900 Taste 00:43:18.900 --> 00:43:20.440 In increasing measure 00:43:20.440 --> 00:43:21.900 The riches 00:43:21.900 --> 00:43:23.140 Of your kingdom 00:43:23.140 --> 00:43:25.140 And might display 00:43:25.140 --> 00:43:26.240 In increasing measure 00:43:26.240 --> 00:43:26.840 The beauty 00:43:26.840 --> 00:43:27.700 Of your glory 00:43:27.699 --> 00:43:29.819 Oh Lord 00:43:29.819 --> 00:43:31.539 Help us today 00:43:31.539 --> 00:43:33.259 We pray this 00:43:33.259 --> 00:43:34.039 In Jesus name 00:43:34.039 --> 00:43:34.879 Amen