Galatians 4:29-30 (KJV)
29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
Both Ishmael and Isaac lived together until Ishmael and his mother were removed. The book of Jasher 21:11 tells us that Ishmael was fourteen at Isaac’s birth, and estimates suggest he was nineteen when Abraham was force to exile him. This shows us a co-habitation between Ishmael and Isaac for a number of years, more specifically the early years.
To us this means that when we are “born-again” we have two natures within us: the Spirit and the natural man i.e. the flesh. Galatians 5:17 (KJV) “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” These two natures will co-habit together in basic harmony until “Isaac” begins to mature; however, if “Isaac” never matures then the harmony will continue. Within us, if “Ishmael” has never risen up against “Isaac” then we should consider ourselves children. We are not meant to be children forever, and the Spirit cannot be an heir alongside side the flesh. It is only after casting out the “Ishmael” that enables “Isaac” to take his rightful place. The “tearing,” for it seems to be literally tearing one’s being apart, that takes place is almost more than a person can hope to endure, but afterwards we are single-minded towards God’s truth. Scripture confirms this “tearing” by saying “he that endures to the end shall be saved.”
Galatians 2:20 (KJV) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Romans 8:7-9 (KJV)
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
The only way we can be “in the Spirit” is to be crucified with Christ. But, until the moment of crucifixion we are “doubled minded,” and try to live for God through the means of our flesh. Only someone that cares enough to try and to live for God has had an encounter with God.
In our schools we do not allow children to teach children. Adults are the only ones that are capable of delivering the necessary instructions. “How shall they preach except they be sent?” There are too many children that are “called to be” teachers, pastors, evangelists, prophets, and even apostles, but have not been sent. Children should mature and wait to be sent in order to fulfill their calling. If “Ishmael” has not risen up against “Isaac” within you, then it is a very telling sign that you are a child. And, if you are a child look to those that have been sent.
It is easy to tell who has been sent: look to those who preach Jesus Christ and him crucified with single-mindedness. Those who have not been sent may preach Jesus Christ and him crucified but there will always be numerous other messages attached. The dual message is a tell-tale sign that they have an “Ishmael” and an “Isaac” living together. This in no way means they are “unsaved” they are just still a child.