In this sermon segment from Galatians chapter 4, Pastor Luther Walker continues teaching on sonship, freedom from the law, and the allegory of Abraham’s two sons. He emphasizes that biblical “sonship” refers to a position of privilege and inheritance in Christ, not gender, granting equal standing to all believers (male and female) as literal children of God who can cry “Abba, Father.”
He explains that Jesus was born of a woman and under the law to redeem those under the law, purchasing them out of bondage. The New Testament era truly begins after Christ’s resurrection (around John 13 onward), not at the page break in Bibles. Believers today are not under the Mosaic law and should not return to its “beggarly elements” (observing days, regulations, “touch not, taste not”). Paul warns against going back into bondage, expressing concern that his labor among the Galatians might prove vain.
Walker urges the Galatians to imitate him, as he did not lord authority over them or seek personal gain, unlike false teachers who elevate themselves and desire followers for themselves (often to avoid persecution). He recounts his physical infirmity (likely eye trouble from being stoned), noting the Galatians initially received him as God’s messenger despite it, even willing to give him their own eyes. He contrasts this with their current drift toward legalism, asking if he has now become their enemy by telling the truth.
Paul’s thorn in the flesh (a messenger of Satan) was permitted to keep him humble amid abundant revelations; God’s response was “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect [brought to its intended end] in weakness.” Walker stresses that health, wealth, and happiness are not promises to the church (those were tied to Israel’s obedience under the law in Deuteronomy 28); instead, grace sustains believers in weakness, and glorifying God remains possible regardless of circumstances.
The core illustration is Abraham’s two sons: Ishmael (born of the flesh through Hagar the bondwoman) represents the Mosaic covenant from Mount Sinai, which produces bondage and corresponds to the present Jerusalem. Isaac (born of promise through Sarah the free woman) represents the covenant of promise, corresponding to the “Jerusalem above” that is free. Believers in Christ are children of promise like Isaac, not under bondage. Those born according to the flesh persecute those born according to the Spirit—just as Ishmael mocked Isaac, and legalists today mock grace-based believers.
Walker warns against taking the allegory too far (e.g., merging Israel and the church) but highlights that the church relates to God’s promise to Abraham of descendants as numerous as the stars/sand (Genesis 22), ultimately fulfilled in Christ as the singular Seed with many in His body.
