Christ Has Made Us Free
This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 2:4)
Gal. 2:1-14; Acts 15:1-4; Prov. 18:24; Jn. 15:15
What Is God Saying?
The cornerstone text of Galatians is ‘Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free’ (5:1). Jewish teachers in Galatia were reasoning that if Christianity had any validity at all, it should not do away with the rite of circumcision and the works of the law. In other words, if the Jewish converts had found some hope in the message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, it was wrong to circumvent the ancient traditions and laws, the very things that made them Jews. They were becoming Jewish Christians, but in doing so, they should and must remain Jewish. The seedbed of Christianity is undeniably Jewish, but Christianity does not insist on continuing in bondage to the law, in observing a religion of works.
How Does This Apply To Us?
In considering Paul's advice concerning false believers who would bring people into bondage, we contrast with Jesus Christ, the loving Savior, the living Lord, who leads all to freedom away from the bondage of sin, away from the observance of laws and ceremonies as the means of salvation, to the acceptance of what God made possible in his gift. Salvation is made possible by what God has done, not by what we must do. All kinds of false teaching would lead us away from the goodness given, the joy bestowed, and the victory won in Jesus Christ. As a result, we cleave all the more closely to the friend, the Lord, who is true.
Pray With Me
Dear Lord, amid multitudes of lies, I am thankful for Jesus Christ, the truth. By grace that I cannot comprehend, I have been made joint heir with him of heaven's treasures. Jesus Christ, how true you have been and are! You have loved my soul. You have conquered my passions. You have subdued my will. You have pardoned my sin. Through the holy presence of the comforter, you have cleansed my heart. You have won for me independence from self-accusation. You have opened to me a door into the fold of your love, where I have both freedom and safety. From the sad, dark bondage of the past into the glad, bright freedom of the present, you are leading, always leading.
Lord of life, true and kindest friend, draw me to your side by the beauty of your holiness. In the joy of your freedom so dearly bought on Calvary, keep me from the bondage into which false teaching would lead me.
For the sake of your glory, O Christ, hear this prayer and assure me of your saving presence. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
The false in life sneaks in. It seldom knocks at the front door. It finds a slightly open window. In a life of prayer, we intend to let Jesus in at the door and to see that all other entries are secure. Let us stand fast in freedom and pray fervently in the joy that is ours in Christ.
