Connect 1 Corinthians 7:23 with Galatians 5:1 on Christian freedom. Purchased Freedom: The Price Paid “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.” (1 Corinthians 7:23) • Christ’s blood is the “price” (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Redemption transfers us from slavery to sin and man-made systems into belonging to Him (Colossians 1:13-14). • Because the purchase is complete, no one else has rightful ownership of the believer. Cultural Slavery vs. Gospel Liberty “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.” (Galatians 5:1) • In Corinth, social hierarchies pressured new Christians to seek status through human approval; Paul says, “Don’t submit.” • In Galatia, the pressure was religious legalism; Paul says, “Don’t submit.” • Whether culture or religion, any demand that eclipses Christ’s lordship is another form of bondage. The Call to Stand Firm • Freedom is not self-assertion but steadfast reliance on Christ’s work. • The Spirit, not external compulsion, shapes obedience (Galatians 5:13, 16). • Standing firm means refusing to let guilt, fear, or human expectation dictate our walk (Romans 8:1-2). Freedom’s Boundaries: Living as Servants of Christ • Christian freedom is always tethered to Christ’s lordship—“slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:18). • “Live as free men… live as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16). • True liberty releases us from sin’s power so we can joyfully obey God’s commands (Psalm 119:45). Practical Applications of Freedom – Resist legalistic add-ons: salvation is by grace alone, not performance. – Reject cultural conformity when it conflicts with Scripture. – Serve others willingly: freedom expresses itself in love (Galatians 5:13-14). – Guard the conscience: don’t violate personal convictions for human approval (Romans 14:22-23). – Maintain gratitude: remember the cost of redemption daily (1 Corinthians 6:20). Supporting Scriptures on Freedom in Christ • John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” • Romans 6:22 – “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness.” • 2 Corinthians 3:17 – “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” • James 1:25 – “The one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and continues in it… will be blessed in what he does.” |
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