Lessons.—1. The law and the Gospel differ fundamentally. 2. The law imposes intolerable burdens. 3. The Gospel abrogates the law by providing a higher spiritual obedience.

GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES.

Vers. 21–31. Legal Bondage and Spiritual Freedom contrasted—

  1. In their inception and development (vers. 21–27).
  2. In their ceaseless antagonism (ver. 29).
  3. In their inevitable results (vers. 28, 30, 31).

Ver. 21. A Lesson from the Law—

  1. Addressed to those eager for its subjection.—“Ye that desire to be under the law.”
  2. Is suggestive of solemn warning.
  3. Should be seriously pondered.—“Tell me, do ye not hear the law?”

Ver. 26. Jerusalem Above.

I. The Church of Christ as she exists in the present world.—“Jerusalem, above and free.”

1. Above; that is, seen in connection with God and the scenes of the heavenly world.—(1) Her Head is from above. (2) If we take the Church as a whole, though she is in part on earth, the greater number of her members are in heaven. (3) Our Jerusalem is above because her members all fix their affections there and thither then as the great end of their profession.

2. Jerusalem above is free, and so are her children.—From the bondage of seeking salvation by works of law, from the guilt of sin, from its dominion.