Standfast in Liberty

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

In our world today the word freedom is often misunderstood and misinterpreted, the words of the Apostle Paul in Galatians are a beacon of truth and guidance for all believers. It is important to recognize that the freedom we have in Christ is not a license to live as we please, but rather, it is a call to live in a manner that reflects the love and grace of our Saviour. 

Paul begins by affirming that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. The very purpose of His sacrifice on the cross was to redeem us from the bondage of sin and the law. 

In Christ, we find freedom from the guilt, shame, and condemnation of our past. We are no longer slaves to sin, but rather, we are set free to live a life that is pleasing to God.

However, the freedom we have in Christ is not a passive state. Paul implores us to "stand firm." We are called to stand firm in our faith and in the liberty that Christ has granted us.

 This is not a one-time decision but an ongoing commitment. It means that we do not waver in our devotion to Christ, and we do not allow ourselves to be drawn back into the bondage of sin or legalism.

We are warned not to "let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." This yoke represents the weight of legalism, religious rituals, and human efforts to earn salvation. It is a yoke that is heavy and burdensome, contrary to the light yoke of Christ, which brings peace and rest to our souls. We must be cautious not to return to the old ways of thinking that our salvation can be earned through our own works.

So, what does it mean to live in true freedom in Christ? It means living in love, for the next verses in Galatians 5 emphasize the importance of love in our Christian walk. Love is the fulfillment of the law. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, to bear one another's burdens, and to walk in the Spirit.

Living in freedom also means living a life marked by the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities should characterise our daily lives as we strive to be Christ-like.

In conclusion, the liberty we have in Christ is a precious gift that we should cherish and protect. It is not a license for indulgence but a call to a life of love and service. Let us stand firm in our faith, avoiding the yoke of slavery, and embracing the freedom to love and live in the Spirit.

God bless you.

Prayer key:

1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name.

2. Lord, grant me the grace to stand firm in the freedom you have granted me in Jesus Christ name.

3. Lord, help me not to walk into bondage of sin again in Jesus Christ name.

4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.