Joyful Moments in Christ

Choosing Freedom: Lessons from Galatians 5

Choosing Freedom: Lessons from Galatians 5

The Call to Stand Firm in Freedom

Freedom in Christ is the major theme in the book of Galatians. Given that Paul speak was speaking to a people who were struggling with the same temptations we face today, it is easy to find the entire book of Galatians to be both captivating and quite insightful. In Galatians 4, Paul spoke about escaping enslavement to the world, and in Galatians 5 he continues that theme and begins to give practical advice, forming a bridge between identity and action. Chapter 4 reminds us who we are. Chapter 5 instructs us on how that identity shapes the way we should live each day. Verse 1 is the crux. Christ has set us free, but the world wants to draw us back into slavery. We need to stand firm and find our joy in Christ!

Bible verse from Galatians 5:1 about freedom in Christ.
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1 (ESV)

A Gospel Crisis

The Galatians were struggling with returning to a theology of works based salvation, often called legalism. One key issue they were wrestling with was circumcision, which was not as small a debate as it might be in our modern world. For generations, circumcision had been the sign of belonging to the covenant people of God, a mark of God’s promises to Abraham and his descendants. Every Jewish boy bore that sign as a reminder of God’s covenant.

The apostles had wrestled with this question in Acts 15, but concluded that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus had transformed the ceremonial aspects of this particular law. Circumcision, which had been a meaningful sign under the old covenant, was no longer required under the new covenant. Jesus had established a new sign of belonging. When Jesus was an infant, his parents followed the law and had him circumcised, but later in his ministry he embraced baptism as a public sign of faith, cleansing, and rebirth. Instead of a blood symbol, Jesus called his followers to a water symbol, one that pointed to spiritual renewal.

Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. – Galatians 5:2-4 (ESV)
Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. – Galatians 5:2-4 (ESV)

Paul is not suggesting that circumcision itself is sinful, but is actually confronting is the idea that circumcision grants saving righteousness. The moment someone looks to the law for salvation, they are choosing a path they cannot walk. The law requires perfect obedience that none of us can meet through any amount of effort. On the other hand, salvation does not come through our effort, but through the work of Jesus on the cross.

When we look at the fluids in these covenants, we will see that blood is about punishment, but water is about rebirth. The Old Testament’s sacrificial system pointed again and again to the need for blood as a meaningful payment for sin. However, even those sacrifices were signposts pointing forward to Christ, the true Lamb of God, the true sacrifice. When Jesus died, the once for all sacrifice was complete. With his resurrection came new creation, cleansing, and life!

All humans are sinful and all of us deserve death as punishment. The Old Testament makes this very clear. Fortunately, the New Testament shines the bright light of grace on this truth. Salvation is offered not because we deserve it, but because God delights in saving sinners. When we try to save ourselves, our efforts will always fail. We need Christ to do what we cannot.

For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. – Galatians 5:5 (ESV)
For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. – Galatians 5:5 (ESV)

This hope is not wishful thinking, but is confidence rooted in God’s promise. When we trust in Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, sealing us for the day of redemption. He begins the work of sanctification, shaping our desires, strengthening our faith, and causing us to grow in righteousness.

As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one.” – Romans 3:10 (ESV)
As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one.” – Romans 3:10 (ESV)

Romans 3:10 quotes both Psalm 14 and Psalm 53, telling us that “none is righteous, no, not one.” This is a sobering truth, yet it leads to great encouragement. We cannot be righteous on our own, but God can make us righteous through faith in Christ. That is why Paul is so passionate in reminding the Galatians that salvation is about faith, not achievement.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. – Galatians 5:6 (ESV)
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. – Galatians 5:6 (ESV)

Faith expresses itself through love because the Spirit produces love in the hearts of believers. Circumcision does not change the heart. Only Christ does. When we trust Jesus, we begin to love him, and that love transforms us. We become people marked by grace, mercy, joy, and kindness. The Spirit will not allow us to remain unchanged.

Running the Race Without Being Hindered

You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!

Galatians 5:7-12 (ESV)

Paul uses strong language like “emasculate themselves” because he knows what is at stake. If salvation depends on works, then Christ’s sacrifice is meaningless. If salvation depends on our ability to obey, then every one of us is lost. Salvation is God’s work. Our part is to trust him.

In verse 9 he says that a little leaven leavens the whole lump. This is a warning that false teaching can begin small, but they spread quickly. When people begin to add human requirements to the gospel, the simplicity and beauty of grace becomes distorted. The cross becomes an offense when people would rather trust their efforts than depend on Christ.

The world will do its best to keep us from running well. The devil is real. Temptation is real. The pressures of culture are real. Paul knew well that sometimes the loudest voices calling us away from the gospel are religious voices. We see this same problem in our time. For both Paul and for us, our only protection is faith in Jesus and the work of the Spirit in our hearts.

Freedom Expressed in Love

Bible verse from Galatians 5:13-14 about serving one another in love.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV)

Paul knew that some might misunderstand Christian freedom. Some might say, “If I am saved by grace, then I can live however I want.” Paul says that is not freedom, but slavery. True freedom is the freedom to love and serve as God intended. Christian freedom is not a low view of holiness, but is a joyful desire to honor the God who saved us.

In verse 14, Paul quotes the command from Jesus in Matthew 22:39, reminding us that genuine love is the natural fruit of faith. When we love God, we will love our neighbor. When we use freedom to love others, joy flows throughout the community of believers. Every act of kindness becomes a testimony to the gospel. Every moment of service becomes an expression of gratitude.

He then warns about what happens when love fades:

But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. – Galatians 5:15 (ESV)
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. – Galatians 5:15 (ESV)

Division destroys churches. Anyone who has lived through a church split has seen this firsthand. Words become sharp. Hearts grow bitter. Suspicion replaces trust. Both sides may feel justified, but little good comes from biting and devouring one another. The devil delights in division because it undermines the joy and fellowship of God’s people.

Walking by the Spirit

Paul then offers a hopeful alternative:

Bible verse from Galatians 5:16 about walking by the Spirit.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. – Galatians 5:16 (ESV)

To walk by the Spirit means to yield our hearts to his leading each day. It means praying for strength, resisting temptation, and seeking God’s will. When we walk by the Spirit, we are less likely to chase our own desires, because the Spirit redirects our affections toward what pleases God.

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. – Galatians 5:17 (ESV)
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.  – Galatians 5:17 (ESV)

This conflict between flesh and Spirit is a daily reality. The flesh pulls us toward selfishness, pride, lust, and anger. The Spirit pulls us toward humility, kindness, patience, and joy. This struggle can feel discouraging at times, but the presence of the struggle is a sign that the Spirit is at work. Before salvation, the flesh did not have a rival. After salvation, the Spirit begins to transform our desires. This tension is part of the Christian life.

Paul reassures us:

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. – Galatians 5:18 (ESV)
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. – Galatians 5:18 (ESV)

This does not mean the moral law is irrelevant, but that we are no longer under the condemnation of the law. We obey because we love, not because we are afraid. We follow God’s commands because we have made Jesus our Lord and King and because we are allowing the Spirit to shape our hearts to desire what is good.

The Works of the Flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit

Paul then explicitly lists some of the works of the flesh:

Bible verse from Galatians 5:19-21 about the works of the flesh.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. – Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV)

In case you are trying to find some loop holes, this list is not meant to be exhaustive, after all Paul says “and things like these.” The works of the flesh are actions that flow from hearts ruled by sin. Every item on this last is an action that harm our relationship with God and with others. Sexual immorality destroys intimacy. Envy destroys contentment. Fits of anger destroy peace. Drunkenness destroys self-control. These works may seem appealing for a moment, but in the end, they lead to misery and death. They promise joy, but end up stealing it. Many people have chased these desires thinking they lead to happiness, only to find themselves empty, ashamed, and far from God.

Paul then gives a beautiful contrast:

Bible verse from Galatians 5:22-23 about the fruit of the Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

Notice the order. Love comes first, because God is love and calls his children to love. Joy comes second. Joy is not mere happiness, but the deep, steady delight in God’s grace, even when circumstances are difficult. Joy comes from knowing we belong to Christ. Joy comes from the Spirit’s work in our hearts. Peace follows, reminding us of the assurance God gives us. And patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are the marks of a life shaped by grace. These are qualities no law condemns, qualities that every Christian should pursue.

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. – Galatians 5:24 (ESV)
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. – Galatians 5:24 (ESV)

To crucify the flesh means to put our old sinful desires to death. It means resisting temptation, confessing sin, and seeking God’s help to grow. It is not easy. Old habits die slowly, but Christ strengthens us and the Spirit helps us each day.

Keeping in Step With the Spirit

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. – Galatians 5:25-26 (ESV)
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. – Galatians 5:25-26 (ESV)

Keeping in step with the Spirit means letting our actions reflect our identity. If we say we live by the Spirit, our lives should show it. Pride, rivalry, and envy destroy unity and joy. Humility, mercy, and patience build it. When we choose the way of Christ, our relationships become places of peace rather than conflict. Our hearts become places of joy rather than turmoil.

Paul’s message in this chapter is simple. Christ died to set us free. Do not return to slavery. Walk in the freedom God gives you. Serve one another. Love deeply. Trust the Spirit. Let your life reflect the grace you have received. This is the path of joy. This is the life God intends for his children.

Choose to Jesus make Jesus your Lord and King!

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of your life do you feel tempted to return to self-reliance instead of trusting Christ?
  2. Which work of the flesh do you struggle with most, and how can you ask the Spirit to help you resist it?
  3. Which fruit of the Spirit do you long to see grow in your life?
  4. How can you use your Christian freedom to serve someone in love this week?
  5. What is one step you can take today to walk more closely with the Spirit?

Reflective Prayer

Consider using these verses to pray using the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, and Supplication:

  • Adoration: Praise God. Do these verses bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
  • Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Do these verses bring any specific sins to mind?
  • Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from these verses inspire gratitude?
  • Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from these verses inspire a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

Choosing Freedom: Lessons from Galatians 5
Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. – Galatians 5:2-4 (ESV)
For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. – Galatians 5:5 (ESV)
As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one.” – Romans 3:10 (ESV)
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. – Galatians 5:6 (ESV)
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. – Galatians 5:15 (ESV)
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. – Galatians 5:17 (ESV)
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. – Galatians 5:18 (ESV)
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. – Galatians 5:24 (ESV)
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. – Galatians 5:25-26 (ESV)

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

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