Children of the Promise (Galatians 4:21-5:1)

Paul the apostle tells two stories in parallel: the children with no future and the children of the promise. Contrasting tales of children of a servant with no future security and children of a covenant promise whose future is secure unfold in the history of Israel. Paul maps these on to the lives of the Galatians to remind them of their inheritance in Christ, something they have quickly forgotten. And something we are quick to forget as well. Discussion Questions for Small Groups: 1. Where do you see yourself returning to futile and temporary things because it is easier than remembering the promise in Christ? 2. What does Paul's appeal to history reveal about God's character? 3. How does this passage show that we are saved by grace alone?