Many major world religions look to Abraham as their father. The big difference is over who is their mother. There has been much in the news about this in recent days as those who are descended from Abraham's son Ishmael whose mother was Hagar (most of whom are Muslims) are at war with some of those who are descended from Abraham's son Isaac (Israel) who was born to Sarah.
In spite of the claims of Muslims that Ishmael is the favored son, Isaac was the true heir of God's earthly promises to Abraham (Genesis 17). Paul uses the history of the earthly sons of Abraham to illustrate the difference between Abraham's spiritual sons. The Jews and their followers (who are of the present Jerusalem) who seek to earn their salvation by law keeping are like Ishmael the son of Hagar who was born of fleshly effort. On the other hand, those who believe are born supernaturally of the Spirit and are, like Isaac, the true sons of Abraham (and citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem). Who is your mother (Momma)? Sarah or Hagar?
Many commentators regard this as the hardest passage in Galatians because of its use of the Old Testament (both from Genesis and Isaiah 54) and because of Paul's complicated argument using the sons of Abraham to illustrate spiritual truth. I am confident that you will, with careful attention, understand this powerful and profitable gospel-proclaiming passage.
SERMON ACTIVITY
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