Galatians 5:1-12
The Story: Freedom can be a very dangerous thing. If we think it is a license for disobedience then we have it completely wrong. With the gospel we understand that Christ set us free from the bondage of sin when he died on the Cross. Before Christ, the law was given to man to be a reminder and restrainer of sin. As described by Paul, it was a form of slavery. When the gospel came by way of the cross, grace was extended to man. Grace not only freed man from the law but in fact was a better means of teaching and restraining man from sin. It was by no means a license to sin or to give man a way out and continue sinning. In Titus 2:11-12 it informs us that grace will teach us to say no to godless ways. How? The Holy Spirit is now resident in our lives and is a constant trainer in the way of righteousness. As we listen to the Holy Spirit through God's Word and his quiet promptings, we will be becoming what Christ wants us to be.
In a very practical way, Paul is telling the Galatian people of the absurdity of the teaching that you actually required the law to help you become righteous. Why would you use an inferior tool to accomplish something? It's like digging a ditch with a teaspoon when you have Back-hoe at your disposal. In fact, the people that were teaching the idea of maintaining the law were not adding to Christ, they were putting Christ completely aside.
The Key Truth: “Law means I must do something for God; grace means that God does something for me.” Watchman Nee
Today's Application: Take time for God's Word, meditate upon the words and listen to the Holy Spirit in how you can apply the truths to your life.
Romans 8 - Outline