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31. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. Galatians 4:31, KJV. In Galatians 4, Paul teaches that because of Christ, we are no longer cursed by the law, but we are free, heirs, and children of God through Christ Jesus and His sacrifice. Abraham had two sons: Ishmael by Hagar, who was Sarah's servant, and Isaac, the son of promise from God, by Sarah. The law and grace do not mix; the law cannot show mercy and cannot save, but through grace in Christ, we have mercy, pardon, forgiveness, and adoption as children of the Most High God. All who refuse Christ are children of the flesh, and their path ends in destruction. We who follow Christ are the children of promise, receiving the reward of eternal life in Christ Jesus. Application of chapter 4 in life: remember you are a child of God in Christ; stop trying to earn God's love, as Christ gave His life for you. Live as God's child in confidence, for God is with you. Any teaching that says you need more than Christ is from the devil. Lessons learned: Believers have been adopted into God's family; we can trust Christ for His promise of eternal life; salvation will never come from human effort; God's timing is always perfect; we have grace and freedom in Christ Jesus. Amen.