Freedom
Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a passionate letter, written to believers who have returned to a reliance on rules to attain salvation.
- What new freedoms have you enjoyed since becoming a Christian?
- Fill in the blank. In Christ we are set free from _____ (Gal 3:22–25; Gal 4:3, 8, 10)
Gal 3:22-25 But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
Gal 4:3 So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world.
Gal 4:8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.
Gal 4:10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!
- Fill in the blank. In Christ we are set free to _____ (Gal 5:6, 13–15)
Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Gal 5:13-15 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to
indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a
single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each
other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
- What limits our freedom?
- Have you ever seen Christian freedom abused? How do (v 6 & 13) address those who think their freedom in Christ allows them to do anything they want?
How is Christ’s freedom different from the freedom endorsed by the world (Gal 5:16–26)? Fill in the blank. The results of Christ’s freedom are _____
Fill in the blank. The results of worldly freedom are _____
- What should Christians consider in making ethical decisions? (v 14)
- What does it mean to "keep in step" with the Spirit? (v 25)