Galatians – Week 8 – Day 4

READ 

Galatians 4:24-25 

24 These two women serve as an illustration of God’s two covenants. The first woman, Hagar, represents Mount Sinai where people received the law that enslaved them. 25 And now Jerusalem is just like Mount Sinai in Arabia, because she and her children live in slavery to the law. 

Paul referred to the law system as represented by Hagar. Abraham tried to accomplish through self-effort and good works what God had promised. Those who follow that pattern are those who live in “slavery to the law.” 

REFLECT 

Are you seeing more clearly how the Bible distinguishes between good works and God’s grace? Good works are a way to show gratitude for what Jesus has done for you, but they are not a means of becoming right with God. 

RESPOND 

Read Romans 3:9-18 to see that no one does good because all have sinned, as Romans 3:23 says. When Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, he poisoned the stream of humanity so that all inherit the sin nature. Because of this nature acts of sin are committed. Only trusting in Jesus as Savior can save one from the penalty of sin.