"A Life of Freedom"

July 7, 2024

FBC Baxley

am service

** Pray for Hayden Reece Brown…surgery tomm

Welcome radio and online guests…

*It’s ok if you’re broken, unfaithful, lost, we are too and we are here seeking God’s will and way and plan.

We are all prodigals here…

Some rescued….Some Not..

All Loved…

*Acts 4:12 (repeat)

*John 3:16

Sermon Title: “A Life of Freedom”

Scripture Passage: Galatians 5:1-6

1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.

3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law.

4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.

5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.

6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

PRAY

Three Points:

1. Freedom in Christ

2. Firmness in Faith

3. Freedom Expressed through Love

*I come to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the son of the living God!

Key Verse: Galatians 5:1 "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (ESV)

Illustration: The Battle of Mosul

The Battle of Mosul in 2016-2017 stands as a powerful example of the fight for freedom.

This critical battle was a significant part of the larger conflict against ISIS in Iraq.

The city of Mosul, held by ISIS for over two years, was liberated by a coalition of Iraqi forces, Kurdish Peshmerga, and international allies.

The liberation of Mosul was not just about reclaiming territory; it was about freeing people from the brutal yoke of ISIS's oppressive rule.

The battle was fierce and costly, but the resolve of the coalition forces was unwavering.

Their determination to stand firm and fight for freedom, despite the enormous challenges, serves as a modern-day illustration of perseverance and sacrifice.

This battle echoes the spiritual struggle we face as Christians. Galatians 5:1 reminds us, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

Just as the coalition forces fought to free Mosul from oppression, we must stand firm in the freedom Christ has won for us, resisting the pull back into spiritual bondage.

As we look into Galatians 5:1-6, we can gain inspiration from their steadfastness and apply it to our spiritual journey, standing determined in the freedom of Christ.

Introduction: The letter to the Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul to address the troubling situation in the Galatian churches where some were teaching that Gentile Christians must observe Jewish law to be truly saved.

In Galatians 5:1-6, Paul emphasizes the essence of Christian freedom, contrasting it with the bondage of the law.

Our key verse, Galatians 5:1, serves as the foundation, highlighting the freedom found in Christ and urging believers to stand firm in that freedom.

1. Freedom in Christ

Paul begins with a powerful declaration: "For freedom Christ has set us free."

The Greek word for freedom, "ἐλευθερία" (eleutheria), means a complete liberation, not merely from the penalty of sin, but from the oppressive bondage of the law.

This freedom is a gift of grace, unearned and undeserved, flowing from the sacrificial love of Christ.

Historically, the Galatians were being persuaded by Judaizers—Jewish Christians who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, as necessary for salvation.

Paul absolutely opposes this, stating that Christ's work on the cross is sufficient.

To add anything to it is to undermine the very essence of the Gospel.

Application: As believers today, we must embrace the fullness of our freedom in Christ.

-Romans 6:1

This freedom is not a license to sin but an invitation to live in the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.

We are called to rest in the finished work of Christ, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him.

2. Firmness in Faith

Paul exhorts the Galatians to "stand firm" and not to be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

**The term "stand firm" (στήκετε, stēkete) suggests steadfastness and immovability.

The picture is of a soldier holding his ground in the face of opposition.

Historically, the "yoke of slavery" refers to the legalistic observance of the Mosaic Law.

The Judaizers were attempting to impose this yoke on the Gentile believers, which Paul argues is contrary to the freedom found in Christ.

By returning to the law, they would be enslaving themselves once more, nullifying the grace of God.

Application: In our faith journey, we will encounter teachings and ideologies that seek to lead us away from the simplicity and purity of the Gospel.

We must be vigilant, rooted in the truth of God's Word, and unwavering in our commitment to the grace of Christ.

This steadfastness is not in our strength but in the power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live out our freedom.

3. Faith Expressed Through Love

In verse 6, Paul makes a profound statement: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love."

Here, Paul unties the argument that physical rituals or observances hold any merit in the realm of salvation.

Instead, he elevates faith—faith that is active and manifested through love.

The Greek word for working, "ἐνεργέω" (energeō), conveys the idea of effective, active operation.

True faith is not passive; it is vibrant and dynamic, evidenced by love.

Love is the fruit of the Spirit, the evidence of a transformed life, and the fulfillment of the law.

Application: Our faith must be more than mere intellectual agreement or external compliance; it must be a living, active faith that expresses itself in love.

**I believe this is what sets us apart as christians, and what will validate our witness to the world!!

No one loves like Christ loves, and Christ is in you!!

This love is selfless, sacrificial, and reflective of the love of Christ.

As we interact with others, our faith should be evident in our actions, attitudes, and relationships, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.

Conclusion:

Galatians 5:1-6 calls us to embrace our freedom in Christ, stand firm in our faith, and express our faith through love.

As we reflect on these truths, let us remember the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and the liberating power of His grace.

May we live as free people, grounded in the truth of the Gospel, and overflowing with the love that comes from the Spirit.

PRAY

Invitation

“Are you born again?”

Is your name written in the Lambs Book of Life?

“Have you surrendered/repented to Jesus?