Freedom...it comes from Christ

S-Set Free


S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's gift of grace and freedom

L-Six Things to Understand

"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law. Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ cannot help you. I'll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey all of the regulations in the whole law of Moses. For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace." Galatians 5:1-4

Need Paul say more?

Brethren, Christ died to set us free. If we take that freedom for granted and do what we want, then we are only placing ourselves back into slavery.

It's like a prisoner, who is in jail. They are in bondage right? Well, one day someone comes and says, "I am going to take the punishment of this person upon myself, so they can be free."

So, because of this one man, the prisoner is set free. They open the jail cell and he walks out free.

Now, this man has a choice. He can stay free or he can go out and live the same way he use to, do the same things he did, thus getting thrown back into jail.

Or, he can take this free gift of freedom because of the sacrifice of this man, and through him live a life of freedom and grace.

Do you get that? That is what Christ did for us. He took our punishment upon Himself in order to set us free.

We have the choice to walk and live in that freedom, or we can get tied back up again by taking advantage of this freedom and doing what our selfish hearts desire.

Here, Paul is saying, it's your choice, but understand this.

1. You can't find favor with God by obeying rules and regulations you will never be able to keep anyway.

2. If you choose circumcision and the law to make you right with God, well then know that you are cutting yourselves off from Christ. You have fallen away from God's grace.

3. Grace is not earned. It is a free gift from God through Christ.

4. You can't save yourselves, so stop trying! Only Christ can save you.

5. Understand what is at stake here. Your life!

6. Faith trumps the law, every single time.

Brethren, are you saved? If so, are you living a life that reflects the freedom you have been given through Christ. Or, are you still trying to earn favor with God through good deeds?

Maybe you have been saved, set free, yet have placed yourself right back into slavery again, because you are doing whatever you want and feeding those old selfish desires. If so, repent and turn back to Christ. Let Him really set you free.

S-Share your struggles, especially those than enslave you, with someone who will pray with and for you, who will encourage you, and will point you to God's truths. Be sure you have not fallen prey to those who try to enforce rules, laws, and regulations upon you that would enslave you again and set you up for failure.