“FREEDOM”
A Message from Rick Mosher,
In Galatians 5.1 the Apostle, Paul, writes, “For Freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Paul had in mind, originally, those in the Galatian region who were trying to impose terms of the Old Testament Mosaic Law, such as circumcision, on the Gentile (non-Jewish) converts to Christianity. There is still truth for us to grasp along these lines. While circumcision is usually not an issue for us, there are still those who feel they somehow can or have to be “good enough” or “religious enough” to go to heaven. They are not adequately aware of God’s grace and the salvation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ at baptism. If this is you, become aware of the freedom you can have through faith in Christ.
This month we particularly think of freedom. We start out the month thinking about our national freedom as Americans. While some may conclude that we are not as free as we once were, we are still way freer than most countries. Let us be careful that we do not surrender any more of our freedom as citizens, nor allow to be stripped from us.
However, most important is our freedom in Christ. Just as some people have, through the years, surrendered this freedom from guilt by disregarding their freedom from having to keep the Old Testament Law, there are other ways that Paul cautions we can surrender it as well. Most notably is through worldly and unloving living. Such can bring the guilt of sin back upon us and even cause us to lose focus on Christ and His grace. In Galatians 5.13-15, Paul writes: 13 For you were called for freedom brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
Paul goes on in that passage to point us away from the works of the flesh and toward the qualities he calls the “fruit of the spirit”: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If we will turn from ungodly living and develop these Christ-like traits, it will help us keep living in freedom. Christians, may this ever be.
If you are not yet in Christ, not yet in His freedom and salvation. Check out our “Path to Salvation” page on this web site. If we can assist you in obeying the Gospel, contact us.
All Scriptures are from the English Standard Version. Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good
News Publications.