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True freedom is found only in Christ
Freedom is the prevailing cry of the world today. Yet even though Scripture speaks of a liberty that Christ offers, some people resist Christianity as itself an obstacle to freedom.
What is the meaning of ‘true’ freedom in Christ? It is not the removal of moral restraints, but the freedom to serve one another in love. The gospel exchanges the oppressive bondage of legalism for the higher bondage of love. Liberty is freedom from exterior rule as we are no longer ruled by the law but by the Holy Spirit ruling from our hearts. A. T. Pierson says:
“True freedom is found only in obedience to proper restraint. A river finds liberty to flow, only between banks: without these it would only spread out into a slimy, stagnant pool. Planets, uncontrolled by law, would only bring wreck to themselves and to the universe. The same law which fences us in, fences others out; the restraints which regulate our liberty also insure and protect it. It is not control, but the right kind of control, and a cheerful obedience which make the free man.”
We must daily walk and live in the Holy Spirit (v. 16) by the following:
1. We must believe that the Holy Spirit is within us, having been sent by God into our hearts (4:6).
2. In every spiritual confrontation we must yield to the Holy Spirit completely (v. 13).
3. We must depend on the Holy Spirit for help that will enable us to live a God-pleasing life (v. 5).
4. We should anticipate the effects of the Holy Spirit’s help in our daily lives as we will not carry out the strong desires of our sinful nature (v. 16).
Our freedom in Christ is costly, for it did cost Jesus His own life. In Jesus we stand free as the yoke of the law has been removed. Freedom brings with it the responsibility to serve as we use the faith God has given us to work through love in serving others.
Are we experiencing 'true' freedom in Christ?
Let us understand that as we yield to the Holy Spirit the life of Christ manifests in our actions. Walking each moment by faith in God’s word under the Spirit’s control assures absolute victory over the desires of our sinful nature.
True Christian freedom is Christ-like freedom!
About this Plan
Paul’s epistle to the Galatians is an encouragement for us to pursue a life of holiness, not in our own strength but in the knowledge of God’s empowering grace in our lives. Here are six truth statements from each chapter of the book of Galatians that will solidify your faith in the grace of Jesus Christ as you pursue holiness and closeness to God in your life's journey.
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