
Three warnings that will help us live our Christian freedoms responsibly:
I. Be on guard against
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Galatians 5:7-9 (NIV84) You were running a good race Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”
A. Legalism leads us away from the truth in the
Acts 17:11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
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Q: Can you recognize false teachings? Do you
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II. Be on guard against
teachers.
Galatians 5:10 (NIV84) I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.
A. False teachers will be severely
Galatians 5:11-12 (NIV84) Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
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B. False teachers often attack the
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C. False teachers often include
2 Peter 2:19a They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity.
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Q: Can you
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III. Be on guard against your
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Galatians 5:13-14 (NIV84) You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love. 14 The entire law is summed up [in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
A. Receiving God’s grace and forgiveness gives no license to
Galatians 5:15 (NIV84) If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
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B. Make the choice to love and serve
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Q: Are you living by the
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Discussion Questions:
1. In what ways can we define true freedom in Christ? How does this differ from the idea of freedom that leads to licentiousness?
2. Paul warns against influences that hinder our spiritual journey. How can we identify and protect ourselves from false teachings or influences in our lives?
3. What are some signs that we might be leaning toward legalism in our faith? How can we focus more on fostering a relationship with God rather than merely following rules?
4. Paul emphasizes loving our neighbors as ourselves. What does it look like to serve one another in love within our church community?
5. How should the understanding that “no one gets away with anything” influence our responses to wrongdoing, both in ourselves and in others?
6. How can we apply the warnings from Paul in our daily lives, ensuring that we live out our Christian freedoms responsibly while actively resisting both legalism and license?