Free to What?

What are we free to do?

Galatians 5:1–14 ESV

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. 7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves! 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Free to pursue God

You are not a slave to the law anymore.

You are not a slave to sin anymore.

Reason Vs. Excuse

Reason

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a reason refers to a cause or an explanation. When giving a reason the person tries to explain why he/she did or did not do something. It can also be used when speaking of situations as well. A reason is usually logical, rational and objective. It is not given with the intention of saving one’s self but to explain a situation.

For an example, in an airport, the administrative personnel informs the passengers that there has been a delay in flights due to bad weather conditions. This is not an excuse but a statement through which the individual explains the situation to the passengers. It is a logical, rational, objective statement. Hence, it can be conceived of as a reason.

Excuse

An excuse refers to an explanation put forward to justify or defend a fault. When giving an excuse, the individual makes an attempt to put the blame on another person or on circumstances rather than being accountable for his own actions. This is usually considered as a negative practice. Most excuses tend to be illogical, and irrational arguments put forward by a person to get away from a problem.

For an example, a student fails to submit an assignment to the lecturer before the deadline because he had sports practices. This is clearly an excuse where the student tries to shift his inability to complete a given task to circumstances (Sports practices).

What is the difference between Reason and Excuse?

Definitions of Reason and Excuse:

Reason: A reason simply refers to a cause or explanation.

Excuse: An excuse is a type of reason that specifically justifies or defends a fault.

Characteristics of Reason and Excuse:

Nature:

Reason: A reason merely explains something.

Excuse: An excuse justifies the fault.

Justification:

Reason: The main function is not to justify, but to explain.

Excuse: The main function is to justify or defend a fault.

Accountability:

Reason: When you are giving reasons you explain and take accountability for your actions.

Excuse: When you are giving an excuse, you are not taking accountability for your actions but blame it on other factors.

Sin may be your reason, but it is not your excuse.

You have been set free. vs 5:1

So, why do you pursue other things rather than God. Sin may be the reason, but it is not the excuse.

You are not even a slave to your old self anymore.

Use your freedom to benefit each other.

Galatians 5:13–14 ESV

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

This was not possible apart from Jesus. We pursued everything but the things of God and certainly not the things that benefit others.

One key difference between the world and the church.

I am just as concerned about your success as I am my own.

I do not hinder your race, I expect that you will not hinder mine.

I do not add hurdles

Galatians 5:15 ESV

15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

The reason he says emasculate themselves

Galatians 5:12 ESV

12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!

is because the objective here, as believers, is no longer earning the right to stand before God. Jesus has earned that right for you.

Now, the objective is to pursue the God you have access to.

These false teachers were putting again in the path, obstacles that had to be earned and taking the focus from God himself back to you and your merit.

Who you were no longer determines your standing before God.

Who you are no longer determines your standing before God.

Who Jesus is determines your standing before God.

And He is enough!

stop focusing on reasons

start focusing on your excuse.

And when you embrace that freedom, when you realize you have been set free,

Use that freedom to love one another!

You have been set free to pursue

You have been set free to love

You have been set free proclaim the excuse for your standing.