Gal. 5:1-12, “Therefore!”

Galatians 5 begins with a “therefore.”  Previously we have had very practical words.  Nothing is more definitive than Gal. 2:20.  The closing words of Ch. 4 are Cast out the bondwoman … we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free!  It is critical to know who we ARE.  But who we are dictates what we are to DO!  Therefore, stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.  Christ has made us free; therefore let us not be slaves any longer.

But what does this mean?  In my “freedom” am I permitted to do anything I want?  Can I live my life as I please?  Trust me, there were people who accused Paul of teaching that very idea (Rom. 3:8).  Here are some fundamental truths on what it means to be “free” in Christ.

·       Rom. 6:20: Doing as you please will not lead you to righteousness; and if you are free from righteousness then you are enslaved to sin!

·       John 8:34: Jesus said the same thing: whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.

·       2 Peter 2:19: The false teachers who promise this “licentious” style of liberty are themselves slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 

Let us seek to put it in a more positive light.  In Christ we are always set free from something to something.  Meditate on these powerful truths!

IN CHRIST WE ARE SET FREE

FROM	TO
Rom. 6:18: sin	Rom. 6:18: righteousness.  We actually become “slaves” of righteousness.  But this is good; sin brings death but righteousness brings holiness, the very thing for which I was created.
Rom. 6:22: sin	Rom. 6:22: God.  Again, we become “slaves” of God.  But this is good.  Sin is a cruel master; God is a good, righteous Master.
Rom. 8:2: the law of sin and death	Rom. 8:2: the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.  One law leads to death; the other to life.  There is no middle ground.  Either we are dead and dying; or we are alive and growing.
Rom. 8:21: corruption	Rom. 8:21: the glorious freedom of the children of God.  Creation is under the curse.  When we receive Christ we become children of God (John 1:12).  That is our glory: that we belong to God.
Heb. 2:15: fear of death.	Eph. 3:12: access with confidence into God’s presence.  We fear God (He is always God, worthy of honor and glory).  But we no longer fear His judgment.  Instead, we eagerly desire to walk with Him, talk with Him and to be in His presence for eternity.
Rev. 1:5: sin.	Rev. 1:6: Our King and High Priest washed us from our sins and shared His glory with us, making us kings and priests.