Galatians 5:1-12 The Free Life

Galatians 5:1-12 A Life of Freedom - (The Passion Translation)

At last, we have freedom, for Christ has set us free! We must always cherish this truth and firmly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past. 2 I, Paul, tell you: If you think there is benefit in circumcision and Jewish regulations, then you’re acting as though Christ is not enough. 3 I say it again emphatically: If you let yourselves be circumcised you are obliged to fulfill every single one of the commandments and regulations of the law! 4 If you want to be made right with God by fulfilling the obligations of the law, you have cut off more than your flesh—you have cut yourselves off from Christ and have fallen away from the revelation of grace! 5 But we have the true hope that comes from being made right with God, and by the Spirit, we wait eagerly for this hope. 6 When you’re joined to the Anointed One, circumcision and religious obligations can benefit you nothing. All that matters now is living in the faith that works and expresses itself through love.

Key Verse: Galatians 5:1 At last, we have freedom, for Christ has set us free! We must always cherish this truth and firmly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past.

Notes:


Experiencing the Free Life

(1) Walk in Obedience – Galatians 5:7
2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

(2) Adopt No Other View – Galatians 5:7
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Ephesians 4:14 We are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes.

(3) Strengthen Yourself: Stay Joined to Jesus - Galatians 5:6
James 4:8 Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.

(4) Stand Firm – Galatians 5:1
Galatians 5:1 At last we have freedom, for Christ has set us free! We must always cherish this truth and firmly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past.


Ice Breaker:
Do you have someone in your life that you consider a trusted advisor? What is it about them, that makes you feel comfortable?

Discussion Questions:

1. Galatians 5:1 says, “Christ has truly set us free.” In her talk, Rossaue shared how Christ set her free from the bondage of her past. Reflect on your faith journey. Where have you experienced freedom in your life as a result of trusting in Jesus?

2. Paul encourages the Galatians and all believers to, stand firm, and refuse to go back into the bondage of their past. True freedom for those who believe in Christ is experiencing joy and peace. What situations or people trigger you, and cause you to drift out of experiencing God’s grace?

3. Galatians 5:6 tells us, legalism benefits believers nothing. Legalism is an attempt to gain favor with God or to impress our fellow man by doing certain things (performing) or avoiding other things, without regard to the condition of our hearts before God. Read Luke 11:37-41. What warnings signal us if we are drifting into legalism?


4. Review the above four things you can do to “stay connected to Jesus and live the free life.” Identify one area you can focus on to help you experience all Jesus has secured for you. Discuss the reason you chose that one.


5. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Who in your life, can benefit from hearing how Jesus has set you free?


Homework:

1. Commit to praying for one another to be free from any chains that hinder your ability to truly walk in the free life.

2. Read Galatians 5:13-26 in preparation for next week’s teaching.