Galatians: The Life I Now LiveSample

Paul has been clear, but there is a common misunderstanding to clear up. In Christ we are free from the law. However, is Paul suggesting that we are free to sin? He’d be shocked at the thought. We are free, yet not for our flesh to indulge itself but for us to serve others (v. 13). 

Making negative statements about the law is not the same as being soft on sin. While there are many who do seem to be soft on sin, this problem will not be resolved simply by emphasising the law. Consider Paul: was he soft on sin? Absolutely not! Paul urges the Galatians not to use their freedom to indulge the flesh – their pre-programmed and biased bodies with all their impulses, rebellious tendencies and old ways of living out independence from God. Doesn’t it reveal something of the power of the flesh that we automatically think the alternative to law-keeping is sin? Paul urges them, instead, to use their freedom to serve one another in love. 

Maybe Paul dreamt about the impact a church marked by self-giving love would have on those around. Perhaps he imagined the impact of a church transformed by the gospel and by Christ’s grace as the Spirit drew each one deeper into an intimate relationship with their Abba. 

A legalistic approach to Christianity will never have that kind of impact on a community. Observers of such societies will tend to see self-righteous, pompous, aggressive and negative people who are critical, judgmental and often sadly unloving. Law never generates love; God does. Thus Paul calls for them to love their neighbour as themselves (v. 14). Love fulfils the law, so there is no need to focus on the law (see also Rom. 13:8–10). 

In verse 15 Paul offers the contrast. If the Galatians choose the law-heavy version of Christianity, how will things turn out? The self-focused spirituality that comes through a law emphasis does not produce love. It turns individuals into competitors. They will bite and devour each other. There will be explosive anger, inconsistent interactions, behind-the-scenes backbiting and destructive talk. An inadequate view of the gospel will undermine the attractiveness of any community of believers. 

Christ has set us free, not giving us a licence to sin, but so that we can lovingly serve.

Reflection

Have you experienced the difference between a Christ-focused and loving Christianity, and a self-focused and competitive Christianity? Which do you find attractive?