Embracing Freedom: Faith Over Legalism in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. I hope you're all doing well this holiday weekend. Before we dive into today's message, I want to share a bit about my last 24 hours, which have been quite chaotic. Traveling with a one-year-old who doesn't enjoy flying and dealing with delays has been exhausting. But as the Bible says, "The joy of the Lord is our strength," and we're going to test that today.
Today, we are focusing on Galatians chapter four. This letter, written by Paul to the church in Galatia, addresses the issue of legalism and the false teaching that one must add to faith in order to be saved. Paul emphasizes that it is faith alone in Christ alone that justifies us. The Galatians were being misled by a group insisting on adherence to the Jewish law, particularly circumcision, as a requirement for salvation. Paul refutes this by stating that no amount of human effort can achieve God's promises; it is only through faith in Christ.
Paul uses the story of Isaac and Ishmael to illustrate the need for separation from legalism. Isaac, born to Sarah, represents the fulfillment of God's promise through faith, while Ishmael, born to Hagar, represents human effort to achieve God's promises. Paul urges the Galatians to reject legalism and embrace their identity as heirs of God's promise through faith. He reminds them that they are no longer bound by the law but are free in Christ.
Paul also addresses the false teachers who were leading the Galatians astray. He warns that these teachers do not have their best interests at heart and that their teachings have eternal consequences. He emphasizes that adding to the gospel nullifies it entirely. Paul reminds the Galatians of their initial experience of freedom in Christ and urges them not to return to their old ways of legalism.
In Galatians chapter three, Paul discusses justification by faith, and in chapter four, he moves on to sanctification. He explains that through faith, believers are heirs of God's promises and have been adopted into God's family, receiving a new identity. Paul clarifies that before coming to faith in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles were in bondage—Jews to the law and Gentiles to false gods. But through faith in Christ, they have become sons of God, no longer needing a guardian.
Paul expresses his deep concern for the Galatians, comparing his anguish to the pains of childbirth. He pleads with them not to abandon the gospel and return to legalism. He reminds them of their new identity in Christ and the freedom they have received. Paul uses the story of Abraham's two sons to illustrate the difference between living under the law and living under grace. Ishmael represents human effort, while Isaac represents God's promise fulfilled through faith.
Paul concludes by urging the Galatians to live in the freedom that Christ has provided and not to be enslaved by legalism. He emphasizes that their identity is rooted in Christ, not in their own efforts. This new identity provides security and assurance because it is based on God's promises, not human effort. Paul encourages the Galatians to reject their old identity and embrace their new identity in Christ, living in the freedom and grace that God has given them.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Alone in Christ Alone: Paul emphasizes that salvation is through faith alone in Christ alone. Adding any human effort to faith nullifies the gospel. This is a crucial reminder that our salvation is not based on our works but on what Christ has accomplished for us. We must trust in the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross. [18:40]
2. Rejecting Legalism: Legalism, or the belief that we must adhere to certain laws or practices to earn God's favor, is a form of self-imposed slavery. Paul urges the Galatians to reject legalism and embrace their identity as heirs of God's promise through faith. This freedom in Christ means we are no longer bound by the law but are free to live in the grace of God. [23:42]
3. New Identity in Christ: Through faith in Christ, we have been adopted into God's family and given a new identity. This new identity provides security and assurance because it is based on God's promises, not our efforts. We are no longer slaves to sin or the law but are sons and daughters of God, heirs to His promises. [27:18]
4. The Danger of False Teaching: Paul warns that false teaching has eternal consequences. Adding to the gospel or teaching that human effort can achieve salvation is dangerous and misleading. We must be vigilant and discerning, ensuring that our faith is rooted in the true gospel of Christ. [48:51]
5. Living in Freedom: Paul encourages the Galatians to live in the freedom that Christ has provided. This means rejecting our old ways and embracing our new identity in Christ. We must not return to the things that previously enslaved us but live in the grace and freedom that God has given us. This freedom is characterized by a personal and intimate relationship with God, where we can cry out, "Abba, Father." [01:04:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[16:38] - Personal Anecdote and Introduction
[17:21] - Opening Prayer and Scripture Reading
[18:03] - Context of Galatians Chapter Four
[18:40] - Faith Alone in Christ Alone
[19:17] - Justification and Sanctification
[19:59] - Heirs of the Promise
[20:41] - End of Chapter Three Recap
[22:03] - Clarification of Heirs of the Promise
[22:55] - Purpose of the Law
[23:42] - Bondage Before Faith
[24:18] - Bondage to the Law and Paganism
[25:39] - New Identity in Christ
[27:18] - Personal Relationship with God
[28:52] - Freedom from the Law
[30:29] - Turning Back to Old Ways
[32:03] - Self-Imposed Slavery
[33:29] - The Cross is Enough
[35:16] - Robbing God of His Glory
[36:47] - Plea to Not Return to Old Ways
[38:26] - Paul's Personal Experience
[39:47] - Freedom in Christ
[40:30] - Evidence of Life Change
[41:03] - Paul's Sorrow and Plea
[42:19] - Heartbreak Over Falling Away
[44:27] - Warning Against Abandoning First Love
[45:57] - Spiritual Apathy and Moral Compromise
[47:34] - False Teaching and Its Consequences
[48:51] - Dangers of False Teaching
[50:45] - Anguish of Childbirth
[51:29] - Paul's Ultimate Goal
[52:13] - Paul's Deep Care for the Galatians
[52:50] - Addressing Judaizers
[53:31] - Story of Abraham's Two Sons
[54:00] - God's Promise to Abraham
[55:19] - Contrasting Law and Grace
[56:41] - Human Effort vs. God's Promises
[57:13] - Grace Characterized by Faith
[57:49] - Story of Isaac and Ishmael
[58:18] - Children of the Promise
[58:53] - Cast Out the Slave Woman
[59:27] - Security in God's Promises
[01:00:04] - Assurance in Christ's Work
[01:01:13] - Rejecting Old Identity
[01:03:06] - Final Affirmation of Freedom
[01:04:10] - Jesus' Promise of Freedom
[01:04:44] - Living as Children of the Promise
[01:05:13] - Trusting the Gospel
[01:05:43] - Practical Steps for Living by the Spirit
[01:06:10] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Galatians 4:1-7
- Galatians 4:21-31
- John 8:31-36
### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 4:1-7, what is the significance of being an heir and no longer a slave?
2. How does Paul use the story of Isaac and Ishmael in Galatians 4:21-31 to illustrate the difference between living under the law and living under grace?
3. In John 8:31-36, what does Jesus say about the truth and freedom? How does this relate to Paul's message in Galatians?
4. What were the Galatians being misled to believe about salvation, and how does Paul refute this? [18:40]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be adopted into God's family and receive a new identity through faith in Christ? How does this change our relationship with God? [19:59]
2. Why does Paul emphasize that adding human effort to faith nullifies the gospel? How can this understanding impact our daily walk with Christ? [33:29]
3. How does the story of Isaac and Ishmael serve as a metaphor for the difference between human effort and God's promise? What lessons can we draw from this comparison? [55:19]
4. What are the dangers of false teaching according to Paul, and how can we be vigilant in discerning true gospel teaching? [48:51]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you are adding human effort to your faith, thinking it will earn you God's favor? How can you shift your focus to trust in the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross? [33:29]
2. Paul urges the Galatians to reject legalism and embrace their identity as heirs of God's promise. What are some modern-day examples of legalism that you might encounter, and how can you lovingly address and reject these in your community? [23:42]
3. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of your new identity in Christ? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself daily of the freedom and grace you have received? [19:59]
4. Think about a time when you were influenced by false teaching or misleading beliefs. How did it affect your faith, and what steps did you take to return to the true gospel? [48:51]
5. Paul speaks of the personal and intimate relationship we have with God, where we can cry out, "Abba, Father." How can you deepen this relationship in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to foster a closer connection with God? [27:18]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel enslaved or bound by old habits or beliefs. What steps can you take this week to embrace the freedom that Christ has provided and reject those old ways? [28:52]
7. How can you support and encourage others in your small group or community to live in the freedom and grace that God has given them? What practical ways can you help them reject legalism and embrace their new identity in Christ? [36:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in Christ's Sufficiency
Salvation is through faith alone in Christ alone. Adding any human effort to faith nullifies the gospel. This is a crucial reminder that our salvation is not based on our works but on what Christ has accomplished for us. We must trust in the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross. Paul emphasizes that it is faith alone in Christ alone that justifies us. The Galatians were being misled by a group insisting on adherence to the Jewish law, particularly circumcision, as a requirement for salvation. Paul refutes this by stating that no amount of human effort can achieve God's promises; it is only through faith in Christ. [18:40]
Galatians 2:16 (ESV): "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own efforts rather than trusting in the sufficiency of Christ's work? How can you shift your focus to faith in Christ alone today?
Day 2: Embracing Freedom from Legalism
Legalism, or the belief that we must adhere to certain laws or practices to earn God's favor, is a form of self-imposed slavery. Paul urges the Galatians to reject legalism and embrace their identity as heirs of God's promise through faith. This freedom in Christ means we are no longer bound by the law but are free to live in the grace of God. Paul uses the story of Isaac and Ishmael to illustrate the need for separation from legalism. Isaac, born to Sarah, represents the fulfillment of God's promise through faith, while Ishmael, born to Hagar, represents human effort to achieve God's promises. [23:42]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: Are there any "laws" or practices you feel you must follow to earn God's favor? How can you embrace the freedom that Christ has provided and live in His grace today?
Day 3: Living Out Our New Identity in Christ
Through faith in Christ, we have been adopted into God's family and given a new identity. This new identity provides security and assurance because it is based on God's promises, not our efforts. We are no longer slaves to sin or the law but are sons and daughters of God, heirs to His promises. Paul explains that through faith, believers are heirs of God's promises and have been adopted into God's family, receiving a new identity. Before coming to faith in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles were in bondage—Jews to the law and Gentiles to false gods. But through faith in Christ, they have become sons of God, no longer needing a guardian. [27:18]
Ephesians 1:5 (ESV): "He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How does knowing you are adopted into God's family and given a new identity change the way you view yourself and your daily life? What steps can you take to live out this new identity today?
Day 4: Guarding Against False Teaching
Paul warns that false teaching has eternal consequences. Adding to the gospel or teaching that human effort can achieve salvation is dangerous and misleading. We must be vigilant and discerning, ensuring that our faith is rooted in the true gospel of Christ. Paul addresses the false teachers who were leading the Galatians astray. He warns that these teachers do not have their best interests at heart and that their teachings have eternal consequences. He emphasizes that adding to the gospel nullifies it entirely. [48:51]
2 Peter 2:1 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
Reflection: Are there any teachings or beliefs you have encountered that add to the gospel or rely on human effort for salvation? How can you ensure that your faith remains rooted in the true gospel of Christ?
Day 5: Living in the Freedom of Christ
Paul encourages the Galatians to live in the freedom that Christ has provided. This means rejecting our old ways and embracing our new identity in Christ. We must not return to the things that previously enslaved us but live in the grace and freedom that God has given us. This freedom is characterized by a personal and intimate relationship with God, where we can cry out, "Abba, Father." Paul concludes by urging the Galatians to live in the freedom that Christ has provided and not to be enslaved by legalism. He emphasizes that their identity is rooted in Christ, not in their own efforts. [01:04:44]
Romans 8:15 (ESV): "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'"
Reflection: What old ways or habits are you tempted to return to that previously enslaved you? How can you embrace the freedom and grace that God has given you and live in a personal and intimate relationship with Him today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The joy of the Lord is our strength, so we're gonna test that theory this morning. But we're gonna be in Galatians chapter four today. If y'all wanna turn there, if you have your Bibles, I'm gonna pray for us before we get started. Lord, I thank you for today and just thank you for this morning. God, I thank you for just this incredible passage. I pray that even though this was written to a specific people in a specific context, God, I pray that we would be able to see how your word is relevant to us even today." [17:21]
2. "We all know Ken and know that he is at, we live stream this, so he's absolutely watching this right now because he gets up at like 4 a.m. every single day, and so even when he's not here, he's here, so Ken, hello, so be on your best behavior. Second, y'all, the last 24 hours of my life have been absolutely insane. Turns out one-year-olds don't like flying, and whenever, you know, you get delayed and then you circle around for a while because the weather's bad, they just want to scream and let everybody else on. The plane know that they are not happy." [16:38]
3. "We are not children of the slave, but of the free woman. Like I said, like Isaac, believers are children of the promise. Our identity is rooted in Christ, not the flesh. Our identity is rooted in what Christ has done for us, not our human efforts in order to obtain it. What this identity that is given to us by the Lord and what he has accomplished, what it does for us is to provide security and assurances because it's based on God's promises, not human effort." [59:27]
4. "We are sons of God. We are sons of the living God, and that is what should unite us, and that's what should be on our minds and our hearts constantly. And so he says in verse 6, and because you are sons, God has sent the spirit of his son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. We have been adopted into a new family. We've been given a new identity, and the result of this is that we are sons of God." [25:39]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul is writing to them to say, hey, this is not the case. It's not faith. Faith plus whatever in order to earn your salvation, in order to earn God's grace. What it is is it's faith alone and Christ alone and that's how you're justified." [18:40]
2. "False teaching has eternal consequences. It doesn't end well. Adding to faith, adding to the gospel is, like I said, no faith or gospel at all. The people that teach you these things never have your best interest at heart. They're there for themselves. They may sound good, but they're manipulative in their ways. Like I said earlier, the same issues that they are having in the first century are the same issues we have today. This is alive and well." [48:18]
3. "To live as a child of the promise, to live as someone who has been truly set free, we need to remind ourselves of the identity that has been given to us in Christ by focusing on God's grace and the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross. It has accomplished everything for us. There is no need for human effort on our end. We need to embrace the freedom that we have in Christ. This is the plea that Paul is giving the Galatians in chapter four. He is really saying, trust the gospel. It is enough." [01:04:44]
4. "Paul saw firsthand the Galatians' experience of the freedom of Christ. Every single one of us in this room, if we have come to know the Lord, we have been given this freedom. And the same plea is true for us, or for me and Kenneth. Man, we don't want to return to anything that we were before. Paul saw them experience the Lord. Paul saw them experience the freedom that we have in Christ. And now they're returning to a life based on legalism. They've reverted to their old ways of life. They've added to faith." [44:27]
5. "Paul is saying those seeking after the law are not going to inherit the promises of God because you're trying to do it on your own. Those adding to faith will not inherit the promises that have been given to us. Believers then, believers now, are called to reject legalism. They're called to reject any ways of reverting to our old way of life and embrace our identity as heirs because we have been set free. Paul ends chapter four by saying, brothers, we are not children of the slave. We are not children of earning our salvation by human effort. This is not who we are. We are free. We are of the free woman." [01:02:31]
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