How are we called to be free (Galatians 5:13)?
How are we called to be free (Galatians 5:13)?
Answer
In Galatians 5:1–15, the apostle Paul establishes the believer’s freedom in Christ—Christians are justified by faith alone and set free from the constraints of religious legalism and the burdens of guilt and shame. The objective of our freedom has nothing to do with selfishness: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13).
Paul wants believers to underst and that freedom in Christ does not give us permission to sin or to pursue our own self-interests. We are not to use our Christian freedom as an opportunity for selfish indulgence, personal autonomy, or to satisfy our fleshly desires. Instead, we are called to be free for one purpose: to serve others with humility in love.
The freedom found in faith is a life guided by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:5, 16–18, 22–26). External laws are powerless to help us overcome sin. But the indwelling Spirit brings the inner discipline of God, which is far more effectual than the outer pressure of human rules and regulations.
To truly experience freedom in Christ we must “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) and be “led by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:18). As we depend on the Holy Spirit and submit to His leading, we begin to produce spiritual fruits of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” in our lives (Galatians 5:22–23, NLT). We are no longer “dominated by the sinful nature,” which “leads to death,” but “controlled by the Holy Spirit,” which “leads to life and peace” (Romans 8:4–6, NLT).
Jesus upends conventional ideas of freedom. He invites His followers to live out their calling to be free in acts of love and service, as He did: “Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16; see also Matthew 20:28; John 13:12–17, 34; Philippians 2:5–8). Christian freedom is best expressed in sacrifice, self-giving, and compassion. Love becomes our guiding principle, superseding rules and regulations, yet fulfilling the law’s essence and deepest intent.
Paul explains, “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14; see also Matthew 22:39–40; James 2:8). In Romans 13:8–10, Paul expounds, “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. . . . Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law” (NLT).
Christians are called to be free, but this freedom comes with a responsibility. Paul told the Romans, “But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life” (Romans 6:22, NLT). We are forgiven and set free from the condemnation and dominion of sin. Now, we must “live as people who are free, not using [our] freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16, ESV). As God’s bondservants, we take every opportunity to build up others (Romans 14:19; 15:2; Hebrews 10:24; Ephesians 4:15–16, 29; 1 Thessalonians 5:11), give generously (Hebrews 13:16; 1 John 3:17–18), serve humbly (Philippians 2:3–4), and care for people compassionately (1 Peter 3:8; Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 4:32). In doing so, we reveal that the greatest expression of liberty is found in loving and serving others.
How are we called to be free? By letting freedom and responsibility walk h and in hand. By understanding that love is the natural fruit of our freedom in Christ. To “serve one another humbly in love” is the measure by which we demonstrate that freedom. Where there is love, freedom in Christ is made known (John 13:35; 1 John 3:18). If we do not love, we do not have faith (see Galatians 5:6; 1 John 4:7–8, 20–21; James 2:14–17).