Study of Galatians

Week 10

 

Galatians 5:1-12

 

In Galatians 1 and Galatians 2, Paul reacquainted himself with the young Christians in Galatia. He affirmed his spiritual authority and apostleship. At the same time, he firmly reminded them of the freedom they had known, the gospel of grace, and the salvation message that some false teachers, the Judiazers, were trying to nullify.

 

In Galatians 3 and Galatians 4, Paul delivered several foundational truths. He methodically presented the message of salvation, faith in Christ alone, the freedom found in Christ, the purposes of both the Abrahamic covenant and the Law as well as our position as sons in Christ. He stood against anyone who, for their own benefit, would try to add to the truth of the gospel. He clearly explained the gospel and why faith in Christ was the only way to spiritual salvation.

 

Now, as we look at Galatians 5 and Galatians 6, Paul shares what a life of living in the grace of God actually looks like, what freedom in Christ looks like!

 

He begins Galatians 5:1 with a pivotal concept. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free, therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”

 

Because this one statement is so important, let’s take a look at a couple of the words more closely.

“Freedom” in these verses means to “omit things that have nothing to do with salvation, the yoke of the Mosaic law.” (BibleHub.com)

Paul puts a line in the sand. If you want to walk in real freedom, put aside the law, circumcision, and anything else that someone would try to add to the freedom in Christ.

“Keep standing firm.”   This form of "stand” is used seven times in the New Testament. Six of those times were by Paul, the other, by Jesus. ( Mark 11:25 )   In each of these instances, the phrase “stand firm” implies a position of the heart, not a physical one.

Paul is redirecting them to view their life of faith, not in a physical realm, but in a spiritual one.

His first point to a life of freedom in Christ, “stand firm.”

 

We find his second in Galatians 5:5. “For we, through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.”  Part of what Paul is saying is obvious. We all want hope, especially “hope of righteousness.”

 

But Paul, once again, is telling them that their desired hope will not be found in the law.  It will be found “through the Spirit, by faith.”  He goes on the state that “in Jesus Christ, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.” (v6)   

 

If we could be justified or freed from the penalty of our sins through any physical means, we would not have needed a Savior. We would not have needed Jesus and His willingness to go to a cross for our sins.  He would not have needed to die.

 

But God knew that we needed a Savior to deal with the penalty of our sin. ( Romans 3:23 )

He alone is our “hope of righteousness.” (v5)

Paul is challenging the Galatians to not only place their sole trust in Him, but to guard that spiritual freedom in Christ.

 

With his third point, he hits the obstacle head on in Galatians 5:7-8.  “You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.”

 

And now his warning in verse 9, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough…”

Pretty self-explanatory.

 

Who is hindering us from obeying the Truth? Maybe not a group of false teachers, but certainly we have other voices speaking into our lives: social media, friends, family…

 

If Paul were speaking to us today, and through God’s Word, I believe he is, it’s my belief that he would echo his message to the Galatians.

 

Keep running, look to the Hope of Righteousness, and stand firm, in your heart, stand firm.

Your freedom is at stake.

jeannaswann

#nowuntohimwhoisable

Question for discussion: (Your email is never posted or shared)

How can we stand firm as Christians? What would that look like?