How can we live as "children of the free woman" in daily life? Our Identity as Children of the Free Woman “ But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.” (Galatians 4:26) • Paul contrasts two mothers: Hagar (slavery) and Sarah (freedom). • In Christ, we belong to the line of Sarah—born by promise, not by human effort. • Freedom is not theoretical; it is a family identity we carry into every corner of life. What Freedom Looks Like • Confidence before God—no fear of rejection (Romans 8:15). • Joyful obedience motivated by love, not by pressure (John 14:15). • Rest from self-made righteousness; trust in Christ’s finished work (Galatians 2:20). • Willing submission to the Spirit, producing the fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Guarding Against Slavery Today • Legalism: adding rules to earn God’s favor (Galatians 5:1). • License: using freedom as an excuse for sin (1 Peter 2:16). • Fear-based religion: living as though God’s acceptance is fragile (1 John 4:18). • Comparison: measuring worth by others instead of by the cross (Galatians 6:14). Walking by the Spirit • Stay in the Word daily; the Spirit breathes through Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Speak with the Father often—short prayers throughout the day (Ephesians 6:18). • Tune your heart to promptings of conviction and guidance (Galatians 5:16). • Yield your schedule, relationships, and resources to His control (Romans 12:1-2). Living the Promise in Community • Serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). • Encourage fellow believers to stand firm in freedom (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Extend grace quickly; the free family forgives as it has been forgiven (Ephesians 4:32). • Celebrate diversity within the body—no room for superiority (Galatians 3:28). Practical Habits for Every Day • Begin mornings by declaring: “I am a child of the free woman—set free in Christ.” • Memorize Galatians 5:1 and recite it when tempted by guilt or legalism. • Replace self-criticism with thanksgiving for what Jesus has done (Philippians 4:6-7). • Choose one act of Spirit-led service each day; freedom expresses itself in love. • End the day reviewing where God’s freedom was evident, giving Him praise. Key Scriptures to Keep in View • Galatians 4:31 — “Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.” • 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.” • John 8:36 — “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” • Romans 6:18 — “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” • 2 Corinthians 3:17 — “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” |
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