I’m sharing over on the First 5 app today in our study of Galatians. We’d love to have you join us as we wrap up this study! Here’s a preview . . .
Today’s Reading: Galatians 5:13-15
Galatians 5:13 (ESV) “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
What comes to mind when you think of freedom? Maybe you remember the first time you drove on your own as a new driver, free to go wherever you pleased. Maybe you dream of financial freedom and not agonizing over every expense. Maybe you cherish the liberty Americans enjoy, such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
Those who are united to Christ have been given a freedom unlike anything a government, bank account or driver’s license can provide. Paul shared the good news of our freedom in Christ in Galatians 5:1, and in today’s reading, he adds a caution: “Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13b). Paul knew that as the Galatians turned away from the legalistic message of the Judaizers, they might be tempted to use their freedom to rationalize sin.
Paul wanted his readers – then and now – to understand that giving yourself over to the desires of your flesh (that is, your sinful nature) isn’t true freedom.
To read the rest of the teaching, head over to the First 5 website or download the app!
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