Freedom in Christ

Galatian Liberty • Galatians 5:1-6 • July 17, 2022 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

Paul instructed the Galatians to stand firm on the freedom they received in Christ and not desire to become enslaved again. The author touched on the subject of circumcision, which in Jewish tradition, is the act of joining the people of God. Yet he warned of the danger of seeking righteousness or justification via circumcision. The act of seeking justification or righteousness from circumcision is the act of being severed from Christ; it is the act that makes one fall away from the grace of God. In effect, one becomes enslaved again if they believe anything, like circumcision, can make them right with God other than the faith in the gospel of Christ.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 

Galatians 5:1-6 ESV

1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Notes

Paul instructed the Galatians to stand firm on the freedom they received in Christ and not desire to become enslaved again. The author touched on the subject of circumcision, which in Jewish tradition, is the act of joining the people of God. Yet he warned of the danger of seeking righteousness or justification via circumcision. The act of seeking justification or righteousness from circumcision is the act of being severed from Christ; it is the act that makes one fall away from the grace of God. In effect, one becomes enslaved again if they believe anything, like circumcision, can make them right with God other than the faith in the gospel of Christ.

  1. Stand firm
    Paul explained that Christ set us free for freedom, which is freedom from religious slavery and freedom from trying to earn our righteousness. Therefore, the Galatian believers should stand firm (5:1).
    1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

  2. Severed from Christ
    Paul explained clearly that those who seek justification through the law are severed from Christ; they have fallen away. If one accepts circumcision for justification is obligated to keep the whole law (5:2-4).
    2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.

  3. Faith through love
    Paul wrote that through the Spirit, by faith, there is righteousness to hope for. In the realm of righteousness, circumcision or uncircumcision does not matter. What matters is faith working through love (5:5-6).
    5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Application

  1. Stand firm
    Stand firm on the gospel message we received, which means anchor your whole being into it. Reject any teaching that there are other ways of achieving righteousness before God. It is all about faith in Christ.

  2. Don’t fall away
    Let us take heed of the apostle’s warning. Those who seek justification or righteousness in their merit are severed from Christ. Let us not fall away by giving our complete trust in the person and work of Christ.

  3. Focus on what matters
    Paul said it was not about circumcision or uncircumcision but faith that works through love. Let us focus on what matters: faith working through love. Avoid the non-essentials, and focus on the main agenda of the gospel.

Reflection & Discussion

  1. What is the connection between circumcision and the law?

  2. Describe who is severed from Christ and who has fallen away.

  3. Explain why Paul was deeply concerned for the Galatians (previous chapters may be used).