Freedom in Love : Galatians 5:13-15

The Call to Freedom

A. Concept of freedom in Christ.

We are called to be free but let us not use our freedom to indulge in our sinful nature. This freedom includes anything that has enslaved us or anything that anyone may suggests that believers need to rely on other than faith in Christ for salvation.

Freedom in Christ is not a license for to do what we want, but an opportunity to live in obedience and love. There are two sides to "Christ followers’ freedom” we have been set free from slavery to the law, but we are called to serve the spirit and one another. “Christ followers’ freedom” is not a call to irresponsibility or giving in to self-desires but to a new set of responsibilities so although we are given this freedom, we are not free to sin and live as we please. If we do our freedom Is not approved by God.

Liberation from the bondage of sin and the law that comes through Christ's sacrifice.

Through Christ we are free from bondage of sin and the legalism of the law from his sacrifice. Now we no longer do what God wants simply because the law says we must. But we honor God with our moral conduct, because of God's spirit That is within us and now governs our actions. Because of what Christ did on the cross.

Colossians 1:21-22 “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—”

II. Serving in Love

A. The call to service is an expression of love and gratitude for the freedom we have received. This fighting that Paul talks about is an expression of our sinful nature. Which can lead to an expression of sinful behavior. It is totally at odds with the behavior of the spirit. So, we must be careful what we practice. Those who practice this sinful nature have no share in the Kingdom of God. (5:19-21)

The New International Version Chapter 3

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

When we live by the spirit we are still tempted to give in to our sinful behavior and nature but instead we should resist it just like we resist being slaves of the law.

B. Colossians 3:5-10 “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,”

Explain that our freedom is not for self-centered pursuits, but for selfless acts of love towards others.

When we grow in the spirit it is not for us to boast and brag about these things because God is doing the work in us not ourselves. That's why we need to love one another not judge and allow God to convict us individually so that he may increase our faith.

Caution against using our freedom to indulge in sinful behavior or to assert dominance over others.

motives and align them with the selfless love of Christ.