Galatians 5:1  “Stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”   Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death for the forgiveness of our sins has made us free from the grips of the ruler of this world[Satan] as slaves of sin.  Jesus Christ Himself said in John 8:34  “ Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  Are you a slave of sin or are you a slave of righteousness found only in Jesus Christ ?

The Apostle Paul was addressing the church in Galatia who were struggling with their faith and drifting back into believing they could earn their own salvation through works by following the old mosaic laws.  Salvation, redemption, righteousness and freedom from sin is now based on faith alone and grace alone, not by human works and ceremonies.  Freedom in Christ sets men/women free to enjoy liberty in producing the fruits of righteousness through a Spirit led lifestyle.  

My friends has the grace, love and truth of God filled your heart and soul and are you allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you, empower you, and help you grow stronger in your faith ? 

Let the faithful promises of Jesus fill your heart and soul with His words found in John 8:32  “ Know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Galatians 5:5  “For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.  For in Christ Jesus circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. v7  who hindered you from obeying the truth ?  This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.  v13  For you brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  v14  For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  But if you devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another.”

Through the Spirit – hope of righteousness by faith – Through Love – Called to Liberty – To Serve one another - To Love your Neighbor as yourself.  Powerful words of encouragement to live by through faithful obedience to Christ. 

Galatians 5:18  “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law, v19  Now the works of the flesh are evident which are; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in times past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Galatians 5:22  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering[patience], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such there is no law.”  

Is the Holy Spirit working within you and filling you with only the fruit that He produces or are you still living in the flesh with the desires of this world. ?  Self-examination and confessing our sins and weaknesses is painful, as I have discovered,  but leads us to peace and joy beyond measure.  It is a constant process that needs to be done daily.

v24  “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires[lusts]”

v25  “ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Galatians 6:7  “ Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows that he will also reap v8  For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”

Galatians 6:9  “ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” 

Let me leave you with two more versus of truth to ponder, meditate and think about as it relates to  Christian liberty found only in Christ.

Romans 8:2  “ For the law of the Spirit of life in Jesus Christ has made me free from the law of sin and death.”   As true followers of Christ, we know that we are sinners in the flesh and we are totally incapable of pleasing God in the flesh.  Living in the Spirit of Christ and being led by the Holy Spirit is what allows us to be in a close personal relationship with God.

Spend time the rest of this week reading and re-reading Romans 8 which I believe is one of the best chapters of scripture in all the Bible, that teaches us the true meaning of living in the Spirt.  Let your heart, mind and soul be enlightened and strengthened with this knowledge to help strengthen your faith.

2 Corinthians 3:17  “ Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty”

The laws(ten commandments) were given by God to show and teach man how sinful and imperfect man is and that there is nothing we can do as humans to achieve or earn righteousness, but only through faith can the gift of salvation be truly accomplished. 

God’s greatest desire to have a personal loving relationship with you and the only way to have that happen is to spend time with Him in prayer and speaking to you through scripture. 

Start today – Don’t delay and change your life - Let the power of God’s words speak to you and be filled with a peace and joy beyond measure.  

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