No Comparison

“No Comparison”
Galatians 4:12-20

 I. The Historical Facts (4:19-23)
Age 75: Abraham is called to leave and God promises him many descendents (Gen. 12:1-9)
Age 85: Sarah becomes impatient and Abraham marries Hagar (Gen. 16:1-3)
Age 86: Ishmael is born (Gen. 16:4-16)
Age 99: God reaffirms His promise (Gen. 17-18)
Age 100: Isaac (“laughter”) is born (Gen. 21:1-7)
Age 103: Hagar and her son have to go (Gen. 21:9-14)

 II. The Comparison of Ishmael and Isaac
Ishmael was according to the ____________, but Isaac was according to the ____________
Ishmael’s birth was purely selfish and ____________, but Isaac ____________
Ishmael represents ____________ way, Isaac represents ____________ way

 III. The Meaning behind the Comparison
Old Covenant New Covenant
Law                                                     Grace
Hagar, the slave                                      Sarah, the free woman
Ishmael, the flesh                                   Isaac, the Spirit
Earthly Jerusalem in bondage               Heavenly Jerusalem which is free

 IV. The Inferiority of Hagar
Hagar was Abraham’s second wife. God did not begin with Hagar; He began with Sarah.
God began with a promise, the law was added (Gal. 3:9)
Hagar was a slave. The law was never meant to be a mother.
Hagar was not meant to bear a child. It was the result of Sarah’s and Abraham’s unbelief and impatience. Hagar was trying to do what only Sarah could do and it failed.
Hagar gave birth to a slave.
Hagar was cast out.

 V. Application (Rom. 7:14-8:4)
You cannot change your old nature. You must be born again.
The old and new nature cannot dwell together. The old will persecute the new.
You must cast out the old nature.