Since we have learned from
Paul the apostle along with the church members of Galatia about the
significance of the promise of grace, we have seen Paul use example
after example of why a return to following the law was not necessary
once we have received Jesus Christ as Savior. Paul employed the
illustration of the children of Abraham as his example as he showed
the likeness of the law to he that was born of the hand maid and the
likeness of the promise of grace to he that was born of his
freewoman, Sarah. This promised child was Isaac, and Paul refers to
him once again in chapter four and verse twenty-eight where we read:
Now we, brethren, as
Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Let us
notice first Paul's inclusion of himself with the church members at
Galatia - “Now we, brethren...” It is one thing to share an idea
and extend it only to others, but it is quite another when we include
ourselves in the mix. Paul identified with those with whom he was
sharing. This promise of God was not only to his audience but also to
himself. Paul felt those to whom he was sharing as family or
brothers, and as the family of God they must align themselves to the
grace that God the Father offers.
Paul
continues, “...as Isaac was, are the children of promise.”
Isaac was the promised child of Abraham through whom God knew the
messiah would descend. Paul says we all, as family and brethren are
God's kids. Those who have received the promise of grace become the
children of promise. This promise is available to everyone
everywhere, and as the promise of prodigy was given by God to
Abraham, so the promise of the grace of God has been provided by
Jesus. There is only one separation from the family of God and that
is disbelief in the sacrificial offering of His Son Jesus as payment
for our sins. If we believe in, trust in, rely upon and cling to
God's son Jesus, then we are the children of promise too.
Next time Paul shows us the battle between the flesh and the spirit,
so read ahead, and let us join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look for
the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation
to Generation” in all major
bookstore
sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to
e-books, and find it locally
at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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