Unshackled #10
Freedom Through Grace
Galatians 5:1-12 (NKJV)
Stand Fast (v. 1)
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Christ has set us free so we can enjoy the benefits of salvation
Losses of Legalism vs. Wealth of Grace (v. 2-6)
Galatians 5:2-6 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by
law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails
anything, but faith working through love.
Losses of Legalism:
- “Christ will profit you nothing” (v. 2)
- you are “a debtor to keep the whole law” (v. 3)
- “you have fallen from grace” (v. 4)
Wealth of Grace:
- We have the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 5)
- We have the future hope of perfect righteousness (v. 5)
- We have “faith working through love” (v. 6)
Running the Race (v. 7-12)
Galatians 5:7-12 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is. 11 And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the
offense of the cross has ceased. 12 I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!
I Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
Philippians 3:12, 14 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. … 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
II Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
They ran the race well, but were hindered by legalism
Legalism was spreading through the church like leaven in dough
Questions to consider:
1. Is my life focused on external actions as I attempt to follow a set of rules and regulations; or do I allow the Holy Spirit to work internally as He changes me to be more like Christ?
2. Do I insist that others adopt my personal preferences in nonessential matters; or do I live a life demonstrated by love and grace while living out and standing for the truth of God and His Word?
3. Am I living in bondage to the law, depending on and living for myself, and seeking the praise of men; or am I living in the freedom of Christ, depending on the work of the Holy Spirit, and seeking to glorify God as I serve and love Him and others?
