Galatians (Part 13)
Standing Firm in Freedom (Galatians 5:1)
This past Sunday, we continued our journey through Paul’s letter to the Galatians, focusing deeply on just one verse:
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
— Galatians 5:1
Freedom at a Cost
Freedom is a powerful word. We celebrate it as Americans, and we cherish it as Christians. But freedom always comes with a cost. In our nation, it is secured by the sacrifices of men and women in the military. For believers, it was secured once and for all through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Grace is free—we cannot earn it. Yet our freedom from sin, shame, and condemnation was purchased at the cross. Jesus’ final words, “It is finished” (John 19:30), remind us that He paid our debt in full. We don’t have to live as if we still owe something.
Living Beneath Our Inheritance
The sermon highlighted the tragic story of Kathy Boone, a homeless woman in Oregon who died without ever knowing she had inherited nearly a million dollars. She lived in poverty while wealth was waiting for her.
Isn’t that a picture of many Christians? We have an inheritance in Christ—freedom, peace, forgiveness, and identity as sons and daughters of God—yet we often walk in spiritual poverty, weighed down by guilt, legalism, or repetitive sin.
The cross wasn’t a down payment. It was full payment. Everything that belongs to Christ is now ours in Him.
Freedom From Slavery
Paul makes it clear that this freedom is not theoretical. In Christ, we are set free from:
Slavery to sin (Romans 6:6) – we are no longer owned by sin’s power.
Slavery to the law – salvation is not a checklist; it flows from relationship.
Slavery to fear and shame – we can walk in confidence, not condemnation.
Slavery to condemnation – Romans 8:1 promises, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
The enemy loves to whisper lies—“You’ll never change, you’ll never be free.” But God’s truth declares otherwise.
Fighting for Freedom
Paul doesn’t just tell us we’re free—he calls us to fight for it: “Stand firm…do not submit again.”
How do we stand firm?
Know God and His promises – intimacy with Him is our anchor.
Believe His Word – God cannot lie; His promises are trustworthy.
Preach the gospel to yourself daily – remind your soul of who you are in Christ.
Shake off the yoke quickly – repent and surrender instead of hiding in shame.
Live as sons and daughters, not servants – walk in the full access Christ has given you.
Freedom means living from God’s love, not striving to earn it.
Go Be the Church
Freedom is not just for our personal peace—it’s for the sake of others. As the church, we are called to carry hope to our families, coworkers, and neighbors. When we walk in freedom, we reflect Jesus to a world still living in chains.
So the question is simple: will we live like spiritual beggars, or as heirs of the King?
This week, ask God:
What are You calling me to lay down at the cross?
What would my life look like if I truly lived free?
Stand firm, walk in freedom, and go be the church.