Freedom in Christ

Galatians 5:1

 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery”.

Today as I write it is September the 18th. In my native land of Chile they celebrate their Independence Day. In 1810 they formed their first government as they had secured their freedom to give direction to their nation and be self governing. In times past colonialism was a way empires expanded their nations, language and as conquerors they made themselves rich. Today we would call that an invasion of a sovereign country, and as we have seen, it draws the wrath and judgement of other countries quite swiftly. 

In Galatians, the apostle Paul speaks to the believers who have been listening to false teachers and encourages them not to be enslaved by Judaism once again. 

How do we apply that today for ourselves? Paul was championing grace; many Judaizers felt that grace gave too much liberty to the individual. Laws and regulations would keep them on the straight and narrow, but when laws and regulations are imposed on a people or an individual eventually they will rebel. When behaviour is modified because the person has discovered true love in the situation the attitude changes and the outcome is vastly different. How often have we heard of a sovereign nation plead to be invaded once again. Never. In the same way when we have been saved by God’s grace He produces the fruit of the Spirit found later on in Galatians 5. We as Christians struggle at times with the old sinful nature and when we give in to its slavery or we give in to behaviour that does not reflect the work of grace in our lives; we embody what this verse means. Allow the kindness of Christ and his yoke that is not burdensome guide you in your every day walk with the Lord Jesus. 

If you have read this devotional please let me know as I wish to see how many read this on a weekly basis. Text me at 604-612-1656. God bless you.