Chapters 3 and 4 deal with doctrine. Paul
explains again the relationship between law and grace.
There are three prevalent words throughout these two
chapters: faith, which appears 14 times; law, which
appears 19 times; and promise, which appears 11 times.
Paul presents six arguments seeking to prove that
salvation is by grace through faith, apart from the law.
Chapter 3 presented three of the arguments; and today,
in chapter 4, we find a continuation of those arguments.
Paul explains in verses 1-11 what is known as the
dispensational argument. If you have read the Scriptures
carefully, you know that God has dealt differently with
different people at different times. The age of the Jew
and the keeping of the law had passed away, and the
dispensation of grace was now prevalent. Men are no
longer saved by keeping the law, but through faith in
Jesus Christ. This is Paul’s explanation concerning
dispensationalism.
In verses 12-18 we are given somewhat of a
sentimental argument, as Paul appeals to the people of
Galatia as a loving spiritual servant and a concerned
father addressing his children. Paul is appealing to the
sentimental side of the people as he reminds them that
he became as one of them as he preached to them.
In verses 19-31 Paul uses the story of Abraham’s
two sons as his final argument to prove that the new
covenant of grace has overcome the old covenant of law.
In chapters 3 and 4 Paul has tried to explain that there
can be no mixture of law and grace. This is a simple,
but firm truth. Any time these two situations mix, there
will be spiritual confusion. May God help us to hold
fast to His grace, which is sufficient for everyone who
believes.
In chapters 5 and 6 Paul tells us again that we
have liberty and are not under bondage; that we are to
walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh; and that we are to
live for others and not for self. Living for others is a
very hard thing for a Christian to do, even today. We
must wholly give of ourselves to the Lord and let the
love of Christ move through us toward others. The flesh
is selfish and is not interested in others; but the Holy
Spirit, who indwells the body of every Christian,
desires to reach out through us and bring others to
Christ. We limit the Holy Spirit by not allowing Him to
work through us. When we are completely given to His
will, we love others and seek to help them in any way
possible, spiritually, or materially. Paul is simply
telling us in chapter 6 to live for God’s glory, not for
man’s approval. It is very easy today to try to please
man rather than God.
In chapter 6:7,8 we again have the contrast of
glory for man and God’s glory. Paul tells us, “Be not
deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man
soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to
his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he
that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life
everlasting.” There is no way to win by living for self
or for man’s approval. When we live any way other than
through the direction of the Holy Spirit, we become
miserable Christians. However, when we are willing to
let God have His way in our lives, then and only then
will be have the joy and peace that every Christian is
promised in God’s Word.