April 24, 2014
FOR FREEDOM YOU SET ME FREE, AND YES, I AM FREE INDEED.
Galatians 5:1–12
Rachel Lawrence
Central Truth
Christ came to set the captives (us) free, so why do we reject this gift of freedom in favor of works-based faith coupled with the guilt and shame that plague us when we fail?
Key Verse | Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
Galatians 5:1–12
Christ Has Set Us Free
1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified 1 5:4 Or counted righteous by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, 2 5:11 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 13 still preach 3 5:11 Greek proclaim circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
Dive Deeper | Galatians 5:1–12
Freedom in Christ from His atoning sacrifice and gift of grace is probably the toughest concept for me to wrap my brain around, which is pretty important because grace is a central truth of Christianity.
Despite being raised in a Christian home and attending Christian school for 10 years, I ended up in my 20's with a watered-down faith that led to seeking life outside of Christ, resulting in self-destructive behavior that was anything but indicative of a Christ-follower.
It was in coming to Watermark seven years ago and joining community when I started to make the connection that I would only find abundant life in Christ. However, I was still shackled in slavery, feeling my actions during the season of rebellion were too shameful to be washed clean. And Satan was right there, sending images and messages of my sin whenever I least expected it. Through re:generation (Watermark's recovery ministry), I was able to accept God's grace and forgiveness and understand that His righteousness is my righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
I began to experience the glorious freedom described in Galatians, but then I messed up . . . big time. Grace and freedom went out the window, and I was again shackled by slavery. All I could see in my head was the word "IMPOSTER" flashing in huge lights like a sign in Vegas. I was ashamed, my heart was a wreck, and I believed the enemy's lie -- someone who messed up like I did was surely not a Christian. But God used a friend to point out that my mistake was not outside of God's grace and did not negate my adoption into His family. He extended freedom from ALL of our sin -- past, present, and future. And when I forget this truth, I am choosing to believe Satan's lies.
Christ came that we would experience freedom and not be hindered from obeying and walking in this truth. His Word promises that "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17). Claim it for your life and walk boldly and confidently in HIS freedom.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you have past sin in your life that is keeping you bound in slavery? If so, would you confess it to a fellow believer or your community group (James 5:16)?
2. Do you believe there is anything you could do on your own that would earn you salvation? On the other end, do you believe there is anything you could do that would deny you salvation?
3. Are you ready to experience God's glorious gift of freedom, or are you more comfortable thinking your deeds make you righteous and more worthy of God's free gift of grace?
4. If you are walking in Christ's freedom, would you share your story of how you were set free with someone who is currently shackled in slavery?