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Happy Independence Day to those of you in the USofA. Don’t eat too much, and don’t blow off a hand.
Those who live in the States are big on freedom, or at least the American version of freedom. But what about God’s version of freedom? In The Message* the fifth chapter of Galatians is titled “The Life of Freedom”. Paul had a good deal to say about freedom. So did Jesus. However, what they meant by freedom is not what we’re celebrating this July 4th.
In Galatians, Paul is upset that some who have accepted Jesus are trying to live according to the Law. He asks them who has bewitched them, and why they think having started in the Spirit they can finish in their own strength. He explains those who live the Law (or legalism) forfeit the benefits of being in Christ.
Verse one of chapter 5 says, “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.” [Gal 5:1 MSG] Strong words! Sadly, many modern Christians have accepted a harness of slavery in the form of rules made by men. Such man-made additions to the Word of God are no different from the well-meaning additions condemned by Jesus, Paul, and other New Testament writers. Being free in Christ requires us to flee from such things!
A couple other things about freedom from Galatians 5, as found in The Message:
“My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?” [Gal 5:16-18]
Sounds like a great plan to me! Reject what can never work, and follow God’s Spirit into freedom!
“Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom.” [Gal 5:14]
Freedom is not about doing what we want; it’s about loving and caring for others. When we walk in freedom, we find ourselves wanting to help others because that’s a natural result of walking with Jesus in true freedom.
Are you ready to celebrate God’s freedom?
* Yes, I know The Message is not a literal translation. I’ve done a lot of checking on it, and often it brings out valid nuances not found in literal translations. I always fall back to something else when in doubt, but I find the fresh way it puts things can open God’s Word to me in new ways.
[This post first appeared July 04, 2015.]
Image Credit: © OFC Pictures | stock.adobe.com
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