** We do not “run the race” to be saved, but because we ARE saved.
“But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.”
– Acts 20:24
** Freedom is:
a “calling” (v. 13a)
o v. 13a – “You, my brothers, were called to be free.” o Gk: ekkaleo = to be “called out”
Point: Freedom is a calling that causes Christians to live differently from the World.
an “opportunity” (v. 13b)
o ESV better translation – “Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh...”
Point: Freedom is a starting point/springboard for growth.
motivation (v. 13c)
o Paul says (v. 13c), “Serve one another in love”...
o Note: Paul’s “single command” different from Jesus’ 2 Great Commands
o The Question: Who has more to give?
▪ Can the World give you more? – and, so, you require others to serve you? ...it’s all about you?
▪ Or can you give the World more? – and, so, you fulfill your calling of serving the World in Love because the World has everything to gain in Christ.
Point: Freedom serves because the Free person KNOWS they have nothing to lose but others have everything to gain.
Three Practices of Freedom
Freedom Practice #1 – Beware of your Adversaries
Galatians 5:7 – “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?”
** “Cut in” = Gk: planao – “to cause to wander”, lead astray, mislead
• used, originally, on the running track to describe someone who cuts off the leader to take charge/set the pace of a race
o Metaphorically: sense of leading someone off the path into the wilderness o Spiritually: cause someone to hold a wrong view/attitude
** In fact, Jesus predicts that this direct misleading will happen (Matthew 24:3-5)
Bottom Line Truth #1 – Anyone can be knocked off course.
Freedom Practice #2 – Beware of the Persuaders.
Galatians 5:8-9 – “That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”
Bottom Line Truth #2 - We obey/follow what (or who) we trust most.
Freedom Practice #3 – Beware of your Sinful Nature
Galatians 5:16-17 – “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For 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.”
** Essentially......all of the abuses of life are the result of our Sinful Natures. Question: So how do we live in the Spirit?
Answer: Freedom!
Bottom Line Truth #3 – We choose whom we will please.
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