GALATIANS 5 - LIVING IN LIBERTY

 

Galatians 5

Paul calls believers to stand firm in freedom, warns against legalism, and teaches how true freedom is expressed—by walking in the Spirit, not the flesh.

1.       PROTECT OUR FREEDOM/LIBERTY v:1–6

• Christ set us free—not to return to bondage.
• Accepting circumcision as a requirement means:
• Obligation to keep the whole Law
• Falling away from grace (not loss of salvation, but abandoning grace as a principle)

Adding works to faith nullifies grace.

2.       A LITTLE LEAVEN – A WARNING v:7–12

• False teachers hindered their obedience to truth.
• Legalism spreads like leaven.
• Paul speaks strongly because the gospel is at stake.

A little false teaching can corrupt the whole church.

 

3.       LOVE FULFILLS THE LAW v 5:13–15

• Freedom is not license to sin.
• The Law is fulfilled in one command:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

True freedom serves others in love.

 

4.       WALKING IN THE SPIRIT v:16–18

• Flesh and Spirit are in conflict.
• Walking in the Spirit keeps believers from gratifying sinful desires.

Victory over sin comes from Spirit-led living, not rule-keeping.

 

5.       FLESH VS FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Fruit is produced, not forced.

 

6.       LIVING A CRUCIFIED LIFE (V:24–26)

• Believers have crucified the flesh with its passions.
• We must keep in step with the Spirit.

The Christian life is lived daily by surrender.