How can we avoid becoming "burdened again by a yoke of slavery"? Made Free on Purpose Galatians 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.” • Freedom is the goal, not a bonus. • Christ breaks every chain that law-keeping, sin, and fear once fastened on us. • John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” • Romans 8:15: “You did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but the Spirit of sonship…” Understanding the Yoke of Slavery • Legalism: thinking God’s favor hinges on performance (Galatians 3:3). • Sin’s mastery: habits that dictate actions (Romans 6:16). • Fear and shame: servants earning wages instead of children enjoying inheritance (1 John 4:18). Every “Jesus + _____” tightens that beam across the shoulders. Stand Firm on Gospel Ground • Rehearse Christ’s finished work daily (Galatians 2:20-21). • Reject additions—Acts 15:10-11 calls them an unbearable yoke. • Confess quickly; shame pushes us back toward self-effort. Walk by the Spirit Galatians 5:16 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Continual, step-by-step reliance. • The Spirit supplies power the law only demanded (Romans 8:3-4). • His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) grows where His lead is welcomed. Keep Grace Central Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” • Slavery shouts “do”; grace whispers “done.” • Preach grace to yourself, sing it, share it—chains lose appeal when Christ’s work shines. Stay Connected to the Body Galatians 5:13 “Serve one another in love.” • Community speaks truth that guards freedom (Ephesians 4:15-16). • Isolation breeds license or legalism; brothers and sisters call us back. • Serving shifts focus from self-striving to others. Daily Renewal in the Word • James 1:25 names Scripture “the perfect law of freedom.” • Romans 12:2: renewed minds resist the world’s mold of self-effort or self-indulgence. • Read, memorize, meditate—truth dismantles lies that forge chains. Living It Out Remember the gospel, refuse new conditions, rely on the Spirit, celebrate grace, walk with the church, and soak in Scripture. Christ has set you free—stand firm, and never let the yoke slip over your shoulders again. |
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