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So now because of her freedom Christ has set us free.1 Remain steadfast,2 then, and do not subject yourselves all over again to a yoke of slavery.3
| 1 | Christ has set us free: Literally, “her freedom.” That is, free from the Law of Moses. |
| 2 | Steadfast: Against the Christian Judaizers who insisted Christians should observe the law like Jews. |
| 3 | Yoke of slavery: To the Law of Moses and the Jewish religious system. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Galatians 5:1 as the theme of the chapter – “Freedom in Christ.” Verse 1 is a continuation regarding the “Jerusalem above” and thus some versions would render the phrase “because of her freedom.” [Rotherham] This is not an absolute freedom, for Paul follows up his phrase with “remain steadfast.” Such freedom means not subjecting oneself to that “yoke of slavery” – the Law of Moses. Christ will never benefit a Christian male merely because he is circumcised. [2-6] This does not mean that “works” are unnecessary for he goes on to mention that “deep conviction working together with love” will keep Christians from ‘separating from Christ and falling away’.
Paul asks, “Who hindered you from obedience to the Truth?” [7-12] There is an evil fermentation occurring within the congregations and it is related to the Judaizers out of Jerusalem and Judea. Paul uses strong language in condemning those of the circumcision-sect: he wishes that such men would just castrate themselves! If they are no much in favor of circumcision then let them do the whole job!
Christians should not use their freedom in Christ as an excuse for a fleshly lifestyle. [13-15] This qualified freedom requires a certain degree of slavery – slaving in love for others. Why? Because the entire Law of Moses is fulfilled by love – that is, compassionate affection, benevolent empathy. On the other hand if these Christians continue in fighting one another they will in the end devour one another.
Christian freedom is characterized by a lifestyle that is continually led by God’s Pneuma. [16-18] Carnal walk or fleshly desire has no place in the spiritual walk. Those led by the Spirit need not subject themselves to the Law of Moses. That is, if we see some Christian who insists on observance of the Law of Moses we have found someone who is no guided by the Spirit. How can one recognize “works of the flesh”? Paul lists these and every Christian does well in paying close attention to them. [19-21] Those who habituate these will “never inherit God’s Kingdom.”
In contrast those who walk in the holy spirit in Christian freedom will be characterized by the Pneuma’s product or fruitage. Paul lists these as: love, joy, peace, endurance, kindness, virtue, goodness, faith, mildness, and self-control. [22-24] True Christians have “impaled their flesh” with its “passions and desires.” Those who live spiritual are spiritual in their conduct. So-called “carnal Christians” will never see the Kingdom. Paul urges Christians to never be egotistical and confrontational for these are spawned by envy and jealousy. What else is involved in Christian freedom? Paul will conclude with some counsel in the matter.
Abba our Father bless those who walk in the Spirit.
[29 June 2002]
This verse is connected in meaning with the last chapter, where it is shown that the gospel is freedom, but the Mosaic law is the covenant of bondage. Hence Paul bids them to cling to their freedom in Christ, and not to be brought again under the yoke by being drawn under the Jewish law.
