April 15, 2013
Paul talked to the people of Galatia about the one true way. Nothing needs to be added to the Gospel, and nothing should be taken away from it either. Other people were trying to influence them to follow their ways. Paul said, "It is good for people to show interest in you, but only if their purpose is good." (Galatians 4:18) Then he gave the example of Hagar and Sarah.
God promised Abraham so many descendants there would be too many to count. Abraham had two sons, but both their descendants were not counted as the descendants God promised. Only the descendants from Isaac were counted. One son was born in the normal natural way, but Isaac was born as a result of the promise of God to Abraham. Man-made efforts never work. You cannot manipulate God or God's plan.
Isaac was the result of God's promise. As believers of Christ, we are the result of God's promise as well. Just as there were problems between Hagar/Ishmael and Sarah/Isaac (and still to this day between the Arabs and Jews), so there is also conflict between those who try to imitate the real thing (counterfeiters) and those who are the result of the promise.
Next Entry: Galatians 5:1–26
Paul talked to the people of Galatia about the one true way. Nothing needs to be added to the Gospel, and nothing should be taken away from it either. Other people were trying to influence them to follow their ways. Paul said, "It is good for people to show interest in you, but only if their purpose is good." (Galatians 4:18) Then he gave the example of Hagar and Sarah.
God promised Abraham so many descendants there would be too many to count. Abraham had two sons, but both their descendants were not counted as the descendants God promised. Only the descendants from Isaac were counted. One son was born in the normal natural way, but Isaac was born as a result of the promise of God to Abraham. Man-made efforts never work. You cannot manipulate God or God's plan.
Isaac was the result of God's promise. As believers of Christ, we are the result of God's promise as well. Just as there were problems between Hagar/Ishmael and Sarah/Isaac (and still to this day between the Arabs and Jews), so there is also conflict between those who try to imitate the real thing (counterfeiters) and those who are the result of the promise.
"The son who was born in the normal way treated the other son badly. It is the same today. But what does the Scripture say? Throw out the slave woman and her son. The son of the slave woman should not inherit anything. The son of the free woman should receive it all.' " Genesis 21:10Strong, strong words. Are you a true believer (and follower) of Jesus? Or, are you taking matters into your own hands and taking control of your life yourself? Our actions reveal the truth. You are either a true follower and your actions prove it, or your actions show that your "faith" is counterfeit.
Next Entry: Galatians 5:1–26
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