Freedom

Scripture:
Galatians 5:1 – It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
 
Observation:
Freedom can be a tricky thing. On the surface it sounds easy enough to understand and grasp. The Galatians didn’t really know what freedom meant. They had never really been free. Someone else had ruled over them. They had freedom under the control of the ruler. Then Paul came talking about freedom. Paul had preached and taught the Galatians the true Gospel message. They had accepted it with unbounded joy. Later others came and brought a different message. The messages of these false teachers had just enough of the true Gospel to seem plausible, but their message contained differences that greatly impacted the Galatians spiritual life. They were teaching that to become a Christian you must first become a Jew or that you had to follow a list of “don’t” or that you could do anything you wanted because you are forgiven of your sins. Paul is showing here each of these is a type of bondage. Jesus sacrificed himself to free us from condemnation under the law and Jesus as king has freed us from the bondage of sin. Paul is encouraging them to the steady and unwavering in guarding their freedom. Paul wanted them to have the courage to defend their freedom.
 
Application:
America is called the land of the free. Are we free from something or free to do something? It’s actually both. Freedom in Christ is that way also. We’re free from the guilt and free from bondage. We’re free to worship God as He leads us. Each day God teaches me more about freedom in Christ. I strive to walk closer with Him each day not because I’m obligated to do it, but because I want to know Him. I don’t do my Life Journal because it’s a requirement, but because God teaches and encourages me through His word. One of my greatest feelings is when God shows me or teaches me a truth from His word. I want to love God with all my heart, soul and might.
 
Prayer:
God, thank you for the freedom I have in Christ. Continue to develop a hunger and thirst for you within me. Help me to stand firm and steady in the face of attacks from Satan that lead me back into guilt and bondage. Show me the truths in your Word that help me get through each day.

— David Hardin, community missions pastor