Paul’s Churches (simply so called because he was the one who first told them of Jesus, led them to salvation) in Galatia are being “threatened!” By some (intruders) who deny the Grace of God and would turn these immature Believers in Jesus into disciples of Moses instead!
Therefore, to illustrate the “folly” of such an abdication, Paul tells a story, a Bible Story! About Abraham and his two wives, Hagar and Sarah. About their boys, Ishmael and Isaac. A Story about slavery (Hagar and Ishmael) and freedom (Isaac and Sarah).
The two sons could NOT get along, could not live in harmony, could not peacefully coexist!
Paul’s solution, yet he is really quoting Scripture. Today’s Text as well: “Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” Galatians 4:30, an echo of Genesis 21:10.
Genesis 21:10, where Sarah told Abraham: “Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.”
Wow!
The Greek for “cast out,” spelled “ekballo,” means “to throw out, to drive out, to kick out!” As a single (historical) act here, do it once for all!
The Hebrew verb “cast out” translates “garash,” and is demonstrably stronger in intensity! (Sarah is serious here!) In the King James Version it is even translated “divorce” a couple of times!
Why so dramatic?
Because it deals with the “inheritance!”
Look again! “Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be HEIR with the son of the freewoman.”
God’s Bounty (soul Salvation included) does not go to the person who adheres to human works (slavery)! Think Hagar and Ishmael here.
Rather, it is “given” (not “earned”) to the person who trusts Jesus by faith, hence called a Matter of “promise!” Think Isaac and Sarah here!
“Heirs of salvation!” (See Hebrews 4:14 for this exact string of words, clearly meaning “born again people.”)
Wow!
Paul is quite near (if not already past) the point of saying to these staggering Galatians congregations (yes, plural, several local Churches) …
GET RID OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE PREACHING WORKS FOR SALVATION!
KICK THEM OUT!
BREAK FELLOWSHIP WITH THEM!
SENT THEM PACKING, BACK TO JERSUALEM, OR WHEREVER THEY LIVE!
Restore peace to you hearts!
Oh, how this reminds me of Proverbs 22:10. “Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.”
Wow!
Doctrinal differences on major issues (and nothing is more critical than one’s soul, his or her very eternal salvation) needs to be addressed!
And the heretics dismissed!
“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition REJECT; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:10-11, literally something like: “Ask him to quit walking by your side!”
Paul the “purist,” the New Testament preacher of the Grace of God!
How grateful we should be for this man and his ministry!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Paul could even go THIS FAR, when separation from harm (sin) was involved: “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; WITH SUCH AN ONE NO, NOT TO EAT.” 1 Corinthians 5:11. do not even have a meal with them!
Think about it.