Threats To Christian Freedom: License

Part 1

Text: Galatians 5:13-24

Introduction/Review:

“…the principle of law was so completely opposed to spiritual freedom that it could never be enlisted in defence of that freedom: nothing was more certainly calculated to kill true freedom. The freedom of the Spirit was the antidote alike to legal bondage and unrestrained licence” (F.F. Bruce, Galatians, p. 240).

Lesson:

I. Paul Defines the Nature of Christian Freedom. vv. 13-15

A.    Christian freedom isn’t a license to indulge in the flesh. v. 13a

  B.    Christian freedom fulfills the Law rather than dismisses it. vv. 13b-14

“A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none; a Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, and subject to all” (Martin Luther, Christian Liberty, p. 7).

“Freedom suggests to human beings an open door to fulfill natural desires, but subjection to such desires is not freedom but slavery. True freedom liberates believers from their selfish will so that they find joy in serving others. Freedom manifests itself as love, as a desire to fulfill the needs of others” (Tom Schreiner, Galatians, p. 334).

  C.    Christian freedom doesn’t destroy but builds the church. v. 15

Reflection:

How do we come to the place where our lives are characterized as serving one another in love (i.e., true Christian freedom)?

How do we find joy in serving others rather than ourselves?

Where does the desire to fulfill the needs of others come from?

What motivates us to begin thinking and asking, “How can I serve you? What can I do to help meet your needs?”

© John Fonville

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