Galatians 5
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
Galatians 5
Freedom in Christ
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Is my life mastered by Grace?
Gift of relationship available by Christ for eternity
Are we free? 1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Is it possible to become a slave again after having tasted the freedom that Jesus gives? Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Are we carrying a burden that was never meant for us? Are we weighted down by the cares of this world to the point that we have lost the joy of our salvation? 2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.
What or who is our master? Have we put something or someone before Jesus?
Have we let people and what they think about us become our master?
Have we exchanged a relationship with Jesus for the ritual of religious experience? 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.
Humility calls us to accept the gift that only Jesus can give. 4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
Faith is depending on God rather than our own ability. 5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.
God desires to work through us by pouring Himself into us, are we willing to surrender to His will for our lives? 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus help us to live this day in your love that we might love you and love others for whom you came to set free.
