Topics: spiritual freedom, slavery, love
I. Stand firm in liberty!
* Protect your personal liberty by rejecting the yoke of slavery!
- It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1).
- I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so that you would not be their slaves, and I broke the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect. (Leviticus 26:12, 13).
- Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are? (Acts 15:10, 11).
II. Stay away from legalism!
*Progress in your personal liberty by keeping a clear conscience!
- Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:2-4).
- But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5).
III. Spread a spirit of love!
*Promote your personal liberty by expressing your faith with love!
- For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love (Galatians 5:5, 6).
- For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died . . . The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin (Romans 14:15, 22, 23).
Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, February 9th, 2025
Life group flow and discussion questions
"Enjoy your personal liberty!"
An important Guideline of Life Groups: Walking in freedom is the theme of Galatians and it needs to be reflected in each Christian's life. Brainstorm with your Life Group on how to enjoy our liberty without falling into legalism or licentiousness?
Getting Started:
- What is meant by the statement: A Christ supplemented is a Christ supplanted!
- How do you enjoy your personal spiritual liberty as a beloved child of God?
Discussing Truths:
- Discuss how our spiritual freedom (Gal. 5:1) includes deliverance from:
- a. The wrath of God (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9)
- b. The power of sin (Romans 6:14; 1 Cor. 15:56, 57)
- c. The curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13, 14)
- d. The tyranny of Satan (1 John 3:8)
- e. The fear of judgment (Hebrews 9:27, 28)
- f. An accusing conscience (Hebrews 9:14)
- When it comes to the persuasion of eternal security what is your biblically held belief on this topic?
- How is circumcision viewed in (Dt. 10:16; 30:6; Jer. 4:4; Rom. 2:25-29; Acts 15:1, 7-11)
- What are some common ways that people today subject themselves to a yoke of slavery?
- Where would you turn in Scripture to support that justification is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone for the glory of God alone?
- Contrast flesh vs. faith; self vs. Spirit; works vs. waiting in relation to our righteousness.
- Why does Paul emphasize that what really counts is faith working through love
Now What? Application:
1. Think through ways that you can apply the concept. Faith working through love in your relationships this week.
2. Study Romans 14 and evaluate if you have been judgmental about non-essentials.
