Galatians Chapter 4

 

SECTION OUTLINE FOUR (GALATIANS 4)

In an attempt to free the Galatians from the terrible yoke of legalism, Paul appeals to their heads and their hearts.

I. Paul’s “Head” Words (4:1–7, 21–31): He offers two illustrations.

A. A legal illustration (4:1–7)

1. The Roman father and his son (4:1–2)

a. The frustration (4:1): Until he comes of age, the son can enjoy very little of his father’s estate.

b. The freedom (4:2): Upon coming of age, the son can enjoy all of his father’s estate.

2. The redeemer’s Father and the Father’s children (4:3–7)

a. The frustration (4:3): While under the law, they enjoyed very little of the Father’s estate.

b. The freedom (4:4–7): Upon coming of age (effected by Christ’s death), they can enjoy all of their Father’s estate.

B. An Old Testament illustration (4:21–31): Paul uses the example of Hagar and Sarah, two Old Testament women, to allegorize the law of Moses and the grace of God.

1. Hagar (an allegory of the law) (4:21–22a, 23a, 24–25, 29a, 30–31a)

a. She was a slave (4:21–22a).

b. Her marriage to Abraham was fleshly directed (4:23a).

c. Her son, Ishmael, was naturally born (4:24).

d. Their son persecuted Abraham’s second son, Isaac (4:29a).

e. Her child was not considered Abraham’s rightful heir (4:30–31a).

f. She corresponds to earthly Jerusalem (4:25).

2. Sarah (an allegory of grace) (4:22b, 23b, 26–28, 29b, 31b)

a. She was a free woman (4:22b).

b. Her marriage to Abraham was spirit-directed (4:23b).

c. Her son, Isaac, was supernaturally born (4:27).

d. This son was persecuted by Ishmael (4:29b).

e. Her child was considered Abraham’s rightful heir (4:28).

f. Sarah represents the new covenant (4:27).

g. She corresponds to the heavenly Jerusalem (4:26).

II. Paul’s “Heart” Words (4:8–20)

A. The rebuke (4:8–11): Again, he faults them for their return to legalism.

B. The review (4:12–18)

1. Paul reminds them that they once were his friends (4:12–15).

2. Paul wants to know if they are now his foes (4:16–18).

C. The rebirth (4:19–20): Paul will again suffer the pains of childbirth until Christ is fully developed in them.