From the Pulpit...

Just as Isaac inherited the promises made to Abraham, so also are believers the recipients of God's redemptive promises, because they are spiritual heirs of Abraham. He who was born according to the flesh, Ishmael, his birth was motivated by Abraham and Sarah's lack of faith in God's promise and fulfilled by sinful human means. Ishmael's descendants (Arabs) have always persecuted Issac's (Jews). So unbelievers have always persecuted believers. We learn that 'cast out the bondwoman' illustrates that those who are attempting to be justified on the basis of keeping the law will be cast out of God's presence forever. Believers in Christ are not children of the bondwoman.