All in the family (Read Galatians 4: 1-7)

-Why does Paul say that "as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave"?
-Look ahead to verse  21 & following to see the two Old Testament women who represent those who are slaves and those who are free.
-Verses 4-7 show how we are set free in Christ and made a part of his family.
- "Abba" is equivalent to our English words "daddy" & "papa". They are a child's words for his or her father and are simpler to pronounce. There is both a familiarity and a childlike confidence that are lacking in the more formal "father".
-Paul makes the same point in Romans 8:17 where he says that we are "heirs of God & co-heirs with Christ. "(NIV) "heirs & joint-heirs" (KJV)
THINK ABOUT IT:
When Jesus was told that "(his) mother and brothers (were) standing outside, wanting to speak to (him) (Matthew 12:47), he replied, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers ?" (and) "pointing to his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and my mother'. "
Isn't it great ? All those who have faith in Jesus are in his family. He is our Lord and Master but also our elder brother !
Paul's concern for the Galatians (Read 4:8-20
QUESTIONS: Can you explain why Paul is so concerned for the Galatians ?
- To whom or what were they previously enslaved (Verse 8)
-Why, according to Paul, are they still enslaved ?
-What is the motive of those who are enslaving them ? That is, why are they doing it ?(verse 17)
- Paul writes of the Israelites in Romans 10:2 that " they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. " This was an apt description of the Galatians !
- What metaphor does Paul use to describe the pain he feels for the Galatians ? (verse 19)
Hagar and Sarah (Read 4:21-31)
QUESTIONS:
- Paul says that these two women represent two covenants. What are they ? (verses 24 & 25)
-In what sense does Hagar represent Mount Sinai ? Why does Sarah represent Jerusalem.?  (That is the Jerusalem that is from above.)
-How does the world news on the "earthly Jerusalem" (election of a new prime minister etc.) illustrate the continuing strife and the problem ?
-Contrast the births of Isaac and Ishmael (not mentioned by name in this passage.)
-How is the closing statement both a source of joy & hope but also a challenge?  (verse 31)
-Do you have questions on this passage or what we have studied thus far ?
-How can you apply it to your own life and situation ?