Galatians 5:1-15

”Stay free and true to the Lord”

The theme of the book of Galatians is Christ is enough.

The law won’t save you, doing good deeds won’t save you, going to church doesn’t save you

The problem was people snuck into the church and spread false doctrine that people began to follow

Faith plus works is false doctrine

1. (V1) Christ has set you free, for those who have given their life to Christ

Has Christ set you free?

a) Can you think back to the time when you asked Christ into your heart?

Philippians 2:12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling

Leave no doubt as to weather you are saved

b) For those who are saved, don’t go back into bondage

Paul is saying, you once were a slave to the law, but you put you’re faith in Christ and you are now free, don’t go back

c) Don’t go back into the bondage of sin

(Example)

An alcoholic gets sober and he or she experiences freedom, but then picks the bottle back up and back into bondage they go

Philippians 4:1 “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord.

2. (V2) Are you counting on something other than Christ to make you right with God?

If so, Christ is no benefit to you

a) The Bible teaches following rules is not what saves you

Church does not save you, baptism does not save you, circumcision does not save you, its faith in Christ that saves you

I have hear people say, “I gave that homeless person money, I’ve done my good deed for the year. (God is not impressed by good deeds)

3. (V6) True faith is expressed through love

Some have said, I love God, I just hate people

a) Love is the evidence of salvation

Jesus left us with an example to follow, which is to love one another

b) Love is more than a feeling, its action

1 Corinthians 13:4–7 “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

The correct understanding of faith in action is important because some take grace out of context

They believe you can say “I have faith, but live whatever way that want and God will accept it”