In a message titled, CHRISTIAN LIBERTY- STAY FREE! (Gal. 5:1), we move from theology, in chapters 3 and 4, to our call as believers to live the life. The Holy Spirit reminded the Galatians twice in the previous verses of their identity in Christ (Gal. 4:28 & 31) while simultaneously calling them to action: “Cast outthe bondwoman and her son!” (Gal. 4:30; Gen. 21:10). This call to action is carried over into chapter 5 as God urges them and us to “STAY FREE!” because “Christ has [already] made us free” (Gal. 5:1a).
“For freedom Christ has set us free…” (Gal. 5:1a NET, ESV).
“Freedom” can be also equated with God’s life. Jesus came to conquer sin and death giving us eternal life and this life- abundant life, can only be found in God (John 3:16; 10:10; 1 John 5:20; 2 Cor. 3:17, etc.). This call here for us to make sure that we stay free and “not be subject again to the yoke of slavery” is also a call to spiritual warfare (Gal. 5:1b NET; Gal. 5:17, etc.). Stand fast, stand firm, to make sure that we stay free… Galatians 5:1 emphasizes in the in the present evil age we live in (Gal. 1:4; 1 John 5:19, etc.).
But how do we do this? This will be much of the subject of the rest of our study in Galatians as we look at our call to “walk in the Spirit” (i.e. Gal. 5:16, 25, etc.). Being led of the Spirit means operating in the supernatural grace of God, and it sometimes requires hard stands like casting out idols from our lives (1 John 5:20-21; 1 Cor. 10:14, etc.). Only what is done for Christ will last or have eternal value in His kingdom (Heb. 12:25-29; 1 Cor. 3:14-15, etc.).
Pastor Dave
My passion is to protect and promote the truth, and teach others to do the same through the faithful teaching of the Bible.
Gospel means “good news.” While we can have good news throughout our lives in many forms, the good news God shares with us is the forgiveness of sin through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
My cell is 208-597-1508, or you can also reach me at pastor@springhillchurchspokane.org