Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Introduction
How do we know if we have heard and really believe the message of the gospel? One way to test if we have received this good news is to ask: Do we feel free? Have we received the freedom that backs the transformation we receive through the Holy Spirit?
Galatians 5:1 explores Christ’s finished work in liberating believers from the burden of legalism, sin, and fear, urging them to maintain this freedom by faith rather than reverting to self-justification or bondage. It signifies a life of grace, where Christians stand firm against returning to legalism or slavery to sin.
Key aspects of being Unbound to Freedom include:
I. The Foundation of Freedom: “Christ has set us free”
Freedom is not earned or achieved, but a finished work accomplished by Christ on the cross, making it a gift to be received, not a wage to be earned. Christ did not just free us from sin; He set us free for a new life, purpose, and relationship with God. The liberation is total—from the penalty of sin, the tyranny of legalism, and the wrath of God.
The phrase “has set us free” indicates this is a finished action, not a future goal. This includes freedom from the condemnation of the law, the power of sin, and the fear of death. Christ sets people free not just from something (sin/law), but for something (service/life in the Spirit).
II. The Enemies of Freedom: “A yoke of slavery”
Returning to a “yoke of slavery” means trying to earn God’s approval through rules, rituals, or personal effort rather than grace. Freedom is not a license to indulge in sinful desires (fleshly desires), which actually leads back into addiction and bondage. The enemy tries to pull believers back into fear, shame, and self-centeredness.
Believers are freed from the obligation to follow the Mosaic Law as a means of achieving righteousness, as Christ’s sacrifice fulfilled this requirement. Christians are released from slavery to sinful desires and behaviors, enabling them to live for God. The curse of the Law is broken, removing the burden of trying to prove oneself worthy or living in fear of condemnation.
III. The Command of Freedom: “Stand firm, then”
Standing firm requires daily, active commitment to truth and grace, not passive complacency. Do not let legalists or old habits drag you back into bondage. Maintaining freedom requires intentionally resting in Christ’s righteousness rather than self-reliance.
Standing firm means actively guarding against the temptation to return to legalism or “earning” salvation through works. It involves actively refusing to listen to the old master (sin).
Conclusion:
You are not a slave to your past, your sins, or your performance. Christ paid the price for you to be truly free. Live in that liberty today by standing firm in grace. Amen!
Pastor John N. Punni, II