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.

 

Paul stands up against those who were teaching false doctrine. Also, he reminds believers to stand firm against the Judaizers who were promoting slavery.

Liberty Must Be Used in the Service of the Lord. Galatians 5:13: You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

1.  Liberal  —  No morals.

2.  Legalist   —  Rules keeper.

3.   Liberated   —  Joyful Christian.

 

Love Must Be Employed Both In and Outside the Church. vs. 14-24: The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbor as yourself. 15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self‑control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

 

1. Love is a command of Christ.  Mark 12:31: The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.

2. Love is a reflection of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:16:  Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

 

Life Is Discovered Through the Freedom of the Holy Spirit. vs. 25-26:  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

1.  The works of the flesh are crucified .

2.  The fruit of the Holy Spirit is enjoyed .

 

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:9-10).