We're Americans. We know freedom. Or ... do we? The fifth chapter of Paul's epistle to the churches of Galatia is about freedom. Paul wrote, "It was for freedom that Christ set us free" (Gal 5:1). See? Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). We're all about freedom.
Paul speaks there specifically about freedom from the penalty of the Law, so it would easy to conclude, based on our general concept of "freedom," that this means we can do whatever we want. We can sin freely. No law. Addressing that, then, Paul goes on to say, "You were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" (Gal 5:13). Well, that took a turn, didn't it? We were called for freedom ... the freedom to serve.
Christian freedom is just that. Without Christ, we are not free. We are not free to be good (Rom 3:12). We are not even free to love (1 John 4:7-8). Love, you see, is an outward view, seeking the very best for others. In a life driven by sin nature, that's not possible. I'm the most important. In the flesh we are pursuing the things that please us (Gal 5:17-21). Christ, then, sets us free to do what we ought -- to love. And in that, "the whole Law is fulfilled" (Gal 5:14). And that love is a product of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). That is Christian freedom.
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As Christians, we are made free in Christ—free from God’s wrath and judgment, the curse of the flesh and this world, and so much more. But we gain that freedom only to become slaves to Him. We gain our freedom in order to become slaves—another great Christian paradox!
~Lorna~
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