In what ways can we live out the freedom described in Galatians 3:23? Setting the Scene Galatians 3:23: “Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the Law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed.” Paul paints a before-and-after picture: captivity under the Mosaic Law, then release through faith in Christ. The verse belongs to a sweeping argument that culminates in 3:26—“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus”—and blossoms into the call of 5:1—“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.” The Nature of Our Freedom • Free from the Law as a system of earning righteousness (Romans 6:14) • Free from condemnation (Romans 8:1) • Free to approach God as children, not prisoners (Galatians 4:6–7) • Free to serve in the power of the Spirit, not the flesh (2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:16) Living It Out Personally • Trust the finished work of Christ each day – Hebrews 10:19: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…” – Reject any impulse to “pay God back” with rule-keeping. • Walk by the Spirit – Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Begin the day asking for His filling (Ephesians 5:18) and yield when He prompts through Scripture and conscience. • Rest in adopted sonship – Romans 8:15: “You received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” – Replace anxious striving with childlike reliance, praising Him for unbreakable family status. • Practice repentance without dread – 1 John 1:9 links confession to cleansing, not re-enslavement. – Guilt is real; condemnation is gone. Move quickly from conviction to restored fellowship. Living It Out Relationally • Extend grace to others – Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Forgive readily (Ephesians 4:32), remembering how Christ has freed you. • Serve from love, not compulsion – Galatians 5:13: “You were called to freedom… do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another in love.” – Volunteer, give, and sacrifice because you want to, not because you must. • Stand firm against legalism in the church – Galatians 5:1 urges vigilance. – Test teachings by Scripture (Acts 17:11). – Encourage leadership that exalts Christ’s sufficiency rather than human regulations. Living It Out Publicly • Speak of Christ, not self-improvement – 2 Corinthians 5:20: “We are ambassadors for Christ.” – Share testimony that centers on His deliverance from spiritual imprisonment. • Model joy and peace – John 8:36: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – Consistent calm in trials signals a life no longer chained to fear. • Engage culture without compromise – 1 Peter 2:16: “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil.” – Participate in community life while displaying distinct, holy freedom. Guarding the Freedom • Keep returning to the gospel’s simplicity (1 Corinthians 15:3–4) • Saturate the mind with Scripture (John 8:31–32) • Cultivate fellowship that reinforces grace (Hebrews 10:24–25) • Pray for discernment when old chains rattle (Galatians 5:7–9) A Snapshot of the Free Life Daily confidence before God Spirit-empowered obedience Grace-saturated relationships Joyful witness in the world Steadfast resistance to legalistic drift Living out Galatians 3:23 means trading the prison clothes of performance for the liberating garments of faith, then walking, working, and worshiping as sons and daughters who can never be jailed again. |
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