Christian Freedom (Galatians 5)

Is there freedom in Christ? Is it lawlessness? Do any laws of Christ give us freedom? Are Christians free or not?

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1 KJV)

Will laws like circumcision make us right with God? Is circumcision symbolic of the whole law?

Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you. I’ll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey every regulation in the whole law of Moses. (Galatians 5:2-3 NLT)

What was the Galatian heresy? Was it just circumcision or the law of Moses?

You people who are trying to be made righteous by the Law have been estranged from Christ. You have fallen away from grace! (Galatians 5:4 CEB)

What does living by the Spirit do?

But the Spirit makes us sure God will accept us because of our faith in Christ. If you are a follower of Christ Jesus, it makes no difference whether you are circumcised or not. All that matters is your faith that makes you love others. (Galatians 5:5-6 CEV)

Where did this heresy come from?

You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. (Galatians 5:7-8 ESV)

How much damage can one person with an agenda do? Is there a penalty for them?

A little yeast leavens the whole lump of dough. I have confidence in the Lord you will not accept any other view. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. (Galatians 5:9-10 HCSB)

If Paul had preached circumcision, would he have suffered persecution?

And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. (Galatians 5:11 KJV)

Does Paul wish they would be literally or metaphorically castrated, perhaps cut off from the local congregation?

I would they were even cut off which trouble you. (Galatians 5:12 KJV)

Should we abuse our Christian freedom?

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. (Galatians 5:13 NASB)

Is a command outside of the Ten Commandments, key to the spirit of the law?

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14 NIV Leviticus 19:18)

What happens in churches where people continually criticize and attack each other? What’s the answer?

But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:15-16 NKJV)

How does the Spirit direct us differently than our sinful nature? Is the law of Moses a Christian obligation?

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. (Galatians 5:17-18 NLT)

What are some examples of the works of the flesh? Will these keep us out of God’s kingdom?

Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom. (Galatians 5:19-21 WEB)

What does the Spirit produce in us?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this. (Galatians 5:22-23 CEB)

What happened to our selfish ways? How should we act?

And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are. (Galatians 5:24-26 CEV)

Freedom in Christ is not lawlessness, but the laws of Christ, summarized by the word love, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Do we want to be free? You decide!