Paul’s letter to the Galatians prepares Christians to engage in battle for their freedom. In Galatians 5, he describes the awesome freedom of Christ that Christians can enjoy, which is in sharp contrast with the shackles of legalism. This chapter helps build understanding of the manner in which one ought to live in order to please God by his grace and the gift from above, the Holy Spirit. For anyone who has had to deal with the internal struggle between the expectations of religion and the rest that comes from Jesus, Galatians 5 comes as a breath of fresh air.
But what is to live in the freedom of Christ? How do we break free of the binds of sin and live the life God desires for us? In Galatians 5, we uncover the answers and embark on a quest for spiritual freedom.
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Recognizing The Freedom In Christ (Galatians 5:1)
The first verse of Galatians 5 speaks to the idea of freedom in Christ.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, NIV)
Here Is A Key Takeaway: This verse serves as a summary of what freedom in Christ looks like; we no longer have to live under the burden of sin and the law. The Galatians, similar to thousands of believers today were free, yet the bondage of legalism was tempting. Legalism, the term used to describe believers who are bound to earn God’s favor through the keeping of the Mosaic Law. Paul built a case for this in Galatians, encouraging stand firm, and in their freedom.
Abiding in Christ means freedom, where trusting His completed work on the cross takes precedence over rituals, rules, and self-effort. This freedom gives grace, peace, and the ability to live as God originally intended which is without the weight of sin and condemnation.
The Dangers of Legalism (Galatians 5:2-12)
In Galatians 5:2-12, Paul speaks about the legalism of requiring Gentile believers to be circumcised in order to be authenticated as truly saved. His stern warning is that pursuing legalism will always lead to the destruction of Christ’s grace.
“Make no mistake about this. I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.” (Galatians 5:2, NIV)
Legalism is defined as the impossibility of separating any belief from its corresponding behavior and assuming the extent to which adherence to rules or rituals can earn God’s grace. All it does is create bondage to rule and create an atmosphere of vanity and frustration. Paul places gravity on the truth that right standing with God is not earned by works but through faith. Freedom in Christ means choosing to be free from the performance trap. It means learning how to accept and enjoy God’s love and grace.
The Connection Between Faith, Love, and Freedom. (Galatians 5:13-15)
As we have seen, Paul explains that Christians are not subject to the law, but this freedom does not suggest they are free to sin. Rather, it is a summons to a life of love and service. The freedom that Christ gives does not grant indulgence in self-centered pursuits, but permits others to be loved.
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13, NIV)
It is love, love towards God and love towards other people, that I would argue expresses freedom. Galatians 5 instructs that the freedom a believer has is not self-centered, but rather the opposite. Performing acts of service, in which the believer obeys the command of love, is the way he or she expresses freedom in Christ.
Life in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-18)
One of the most appealing ideas in Galatians 5 is the idea of walking in the Spirit. Paul opposes the works of the flesh to the fruit of the Spirit. He exhorts the faithful to rise above the wretched bondage of sinful flesh and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.
“For I say, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16, NIV)
Christian love is made perfect, the believer needs to live in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us overcome temptation and enables us to grow in godliness. Freedom in Christ is actually surrendering to the Holy Spirit and permitting Him to change us instead of trying to do it on our own.
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The Works of the Flesh vs. the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-23)
Paul draws the line between the fleshly activities and Spiritual fruit with an understanding. It includes lust, adultery, witchcraft, hatred, strife, etc.; all of these arise from the sinful nature of man and leads of death and destruction.
On the contrary, the fruit of the Spirit include love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, which a believer ought to posses. These should be present in a believer’s life who is non-stop staying in the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit bears the fruit of love, joy, peace, patientness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)
Being free in Christ implies participating in the work of the Spirit in our lives. As we walk in the Spirit, our character and actions reflect Christ more and more.
Crucifying the Flesh (Galatians 5:24-26)
Paul urges believers to crucify the flesh along with its passions and desires in the final verses of Galatians 5. Set free means freedom from the sinful tendencies that used to bind us. Now we can really take up our freedom in Christ.
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Galatians 5:24, NIV)
Crucifying the flesh involves losing your passion and setting your heart toward God’s intention for your life. It is a daily surrender to the Spirit of God and a commitment to freedom that come through Christ.
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FAQs
What does Galatians 5 say about freedom in Christ?
In Galatians 5, Paul elaborates that Christ has freed us from being enslaved by the law and sin. For true freedom, it is imperative to live in the Spirit and love instead of following set rules as legalism.
How can I live in the freedom of Christ?
To live in the freedom of Christ, trust His grace, yield to the Holy Spirit, and serve others with love. It is all about living in the new life God has given you and turning away from the old life of sin and legalism.
What are the works of the flesh mentioned in Galatians 5?
The works of the flesh are sinful actions like adultery, idolatry, hatred, anger, jealousy, and selfish ambition. These vices oppose the fruit of the Spirit and result in spiritual death.
What is the fruit of the Spirit?
The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Such traits are manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s presence in a believer’s life.
What does it mean to walk by the Spirit?
To “walk by the Spirit” is a metaphor meaning to live under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit. It involves self-denial, that is, resisting the desires of the flesh, and producing the fruit of the Spirit in your life.
How do I crucify the flesh in my daily life?
God expects us to crucify the flesh in our everyday life by rejecting sinful pleasures and actively living in accordance with his will. This is a daily process of surrendering to the Holy Spirit and making choices that honor God.
Conclusion
Being free in Christ (Galatians 5) goes beyond the lack of imposed rules or religious structures within an individual’s life. It involves a supernatural reality that is attained through the Holy Spirit, love serving as the foundation of every action, and becoming more like Christ. Freedom in Christ does not suggest that one has the freedom to indulge in sin. Rather, it refers to the ability to live a holy life, devoid of the bondage chains of sin, self-effort, and legalism.
With every step we take in the Spirit, we showcase the works of the Spirit within us and, at the same time, fulfill the law of love. Galatians 5 reminds us of the fact that we should not be living in bondage, while simultaneously remembering the glorious freedom we have through Christ. Take a hold of that freedom and let the Spirit guide you into having a life filled with love, peace and joy.
Very interesting 💕