Technology has made life a lot easier (eg, Google, Facebook). Somethings are now much harder (like passing the driving test).
1. No turning back - false teachers were trying to convince Christians to perform Jewish rituals. We don't need any 'add ons' to the Gospel.
2. Two mums (v21-23) Abraham had two wives, and each bore him a son (Ishmael and Isaac). (Genesis 21). One was a result of human activity, and the other the son of God's promise. To us to be a true Son of God it is the result of the promise. (Matthew 3:8, John 8:33). The proof of whose son we are, is indicated by who we listen to. It is not about heritage, but who we are like.
3. Two ways. (v24-26). Two covenants illustrated by the two mothers. One way is the old way, one is the new. The old law is slavery, because we have to keep it 100% - a burden we cannot achieve. The new is a Gospel of Grace - v26 - free from the law we cannot keep.
What does this freedom look like - no need to worry is we have done enough or good enough. Christ has done it all. The Spirit within leads us in God's new way, and motivates us from within.
4. Whose child are we. (4:28-5:1). Those who trust in Jesus are sons of the free women. 'Stand firm in Christ' (5:1). Easy to slip into 'rules' and routines. John Newton: 'Remember'. In times of doubt, we can easily slip back into the old ways. No one is born a Christian - we need each to be 'born of God' (John 1:12-13).
