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Message Notes
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” —Galatians 5:1
Why has Christ set us free?
Freedom – “For Freedom Christ Freed You.”
What have followers of Jesus been freed up from?
- Pagan idolatry
“In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elements of the world.” —Galatians 4:3
- Moralism
Where does a misunderstanding of freedom lead us?
- Legalism
“Legalism is looking to something besides Jesus Christ in order to be acceptable and clean before God. Legalism always results in pride and fear, psychologically, and exclusion and strife, socially.” —Tim Keller
- Legalism is following rules in order to earn something from God
What are some common examples of legalism?
I follow the rules to earn God’s grace
I follow the rules to earn God’s blessing
I follow the rules to earn God’s favoritism
Why is legalism so dangerous?
- It causes us to depend on ourselves instead of Christ.
“Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” —Galatians 5:2-4
- It can infect an entire church.
“You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 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.” —Galatians 5:7-10
“I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!” —Galatians 5:12
- License
License says I’m free and forgiven, so I can do whatever I want.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh…” —Galatians 5:13
Where will a true understanding of freedom lead us?
- Love for God
“For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” —Galatians 5:5-6
- Love for Others
“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. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” —Galatians 5:13-14