Freedom
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not allow anyone to put the yoke of slavery on you again.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5&version=EHV>
This is the quintessential verse for Independence Day. To “cherry pick” this verse, out of context, and applying it for political and secular purposes is at least misguided. Paul, in context, is speaking about those people (Gentiles) who seek to become righteous by keeping the Jewish ceremonial law.
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, why are you turning back again to the basic principles that are weak and miserable? Do you want to be enslaved by them all over again? You carefully observe days, months, seasons, and years. I am fearful about you, that somehow my labor for you was wasted.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%204&version=EHV>
Paul asks an interesting question: “Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you really listening to the law?” (Gal 4:9 EHV) In chapter 5 of Galatians, he observes: “You who are trying to be declared righteous by the law are completely separated from Christ. You have fallen from grace.” (v 4)
The response to the freedom that Christ has given to us is not to try to serve the law–to be declared righteous by the law– but to serve one another:
You were called to freedom. Only do not use your freedom as a starting point for your sinful flesh. Rather, serve one another through love. In fact, the whole law is summed up in this one statement: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205&version=EHV>
It is faith working through love that matters.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205&version=EHV>
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law of freedom.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%202&version=EHV>
Where is the line between freedom and slavery?
Where is the line between keeping the law and obeying the law?
Where is the line between serving your neighbor and serving yourself?
Isiah foretells of the Messiah:
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to preach good news to the afflicted.
He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release for those who are bound,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance for our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
to provide for those who mourn in Zion,
to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
a cloak of praise instead of a faint spirit,
so that they will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord to display his beauty.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2061&version=EHV>
For further study read Galatians 4:8-5:15
Christ’s Peace and Freedom
Steve Skiver