1. Two women and two covenants (21-28)

Paul draws a parallel between Abraham's two sons and the two covenants God has made with men. Ishmael was the son of Hagar, the slave woman. Hagar represents the covenant of law made on Mount Sinai. The Jews who reject the Messiah are slaves of the law. Isaac was the son of Sarah. He was born according to God's promise. Those who believe God's promise and claim Jesus as their Savior are free. We are citizens of the Heavenly City. We are not under the law, but are bound to God by a new covenant in Jesus' blood. We can claim God's promise of fruitfulness in Isaiah 54:1.

2. Get rid of the slave woman (29-31)

Those who insist that Christians must practice religious rituals are like Ishmael who persecuted Isaac (Ge 21). Thus we must cast out such ideas, as God told Abraham to cast out Ishmael and Hagar. We must depend on God's grace alone.

Application: Lord, thank you for your promises and for your grace. Help me to use my freedom to love and to serve you and others.
One Word: Children of the promise