Paul's Use of Allegory

Paul's Point: Don’t trust yourself; trust Christ in the gospel.

1. It was never God’s intent for you to be under the law as a way of salvation (Gal. 4:21, 2:21, 3:21, 5:2-4).

2. To teach you this truth, Paul refers to story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar (Gal. 4:21-23).

3. Paul interprets the Genesis story allegorically (Gal. 4:24-26).

4. If you trust Christ in the Gospel, you are a child of promise (4:26-28).

5. Don’t be surprised when conflict arises (4:29-30).

6. Even so, don’t trust yourself; trust Christ in the gospel (4:27, 31).