21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.” 28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. —Galatians 4:21-31

Big Idea:

A

1. The promise of Freedom (v.21-26)

• a. Born of the flesh or born through promise? (v.21-23)
• b. A covenant of law and a covenant of Grace (v.24)
• c. Children of slavery or freedom (v.25-26)

Relying on legalistic practices and self-righteousness can lead to

2. The power of Freedom (v.27)

• a. Cheer is offered to those in exile
• b. God’s promises have no barrier
• c. Freedom and greater fruitfulness are offered to those in captivity

We can be

Our freedom is preserved by

3. The preservation of Freedom (28-31)

• a. Spiritual animosity (v.29)
• b. Cast out what enslaves (v.30)
• c. Children of the free woman (v.31)

To preserve spiritual freedom, we must

Small Group Questions

1. What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.

2. What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?

3. Can you share examples from your life when relying on your own efforts or legalistic practices led to spiritual bondage?

4. How can we remain confident in God’s promises while facing challenges or setbacks in our lives?

5. What are some practical ways we can encourage one another in our faith and help each other root out spiritual bondage?