Living in the Freedom of Christ's Grace

Devotional

Day 1: Christ Has Set Us Free—Stay Free in Him

True freedom in Christ is a gift, but it is our responsibility to remain in that freedom and not return to the bondage of legalism or self-effort. The Apostle Paul reminds us that Jesus has already accomplished everything necessary for our salvation, and we must guard against slipping back into old patterns of trying to earn God’s favor. Instead, we are called to live in the reality of our freedom, remembering what Christ has done and refusing to let anything or anyone convince us that we need to add to His finished work. [40:44]

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: In what area of your life are you tempted to “earn” God’s love or approval instead of simply receiving His grace? How can you intentionally remind yourself today that Christ’s work is enough?

Day 2: Salvation Is Not Modified Behavior—It Is a Transformed Heart

God’s desire is not for us to simply change our outward actions, but to experience a deep, inward transformation that only He can bring. Paul rebukes the Galatians for turning the gospel into a list of rules and works, reminding them that salvation is not about what we do, but about what Christ has done in us. When we try to fix ourselves or earn our place, we miss the power of grace and the miracle of a changed heart that comes from the Holy Spirit. [54:03]

Galatians 3:1-3 (ESV)
O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Reflection: Where have you been focusing on outward behavior instead of allowing God to transform your heart? What would it look like to invite the Holy Spirit to do a deeper work in you today?

Day 3: Grace Is God’s Unmerited Favor—You Can’t Earn It

Grace means that God’s love, forgiveness, and acceptance are given freely, not because of anything we have done, but because of what Jesus has done for us. Paul makes it clear that salvation is a gift, not a reward for good works, so that no one can boast. This truth sets us free from striving and comparison, and invites us to rest in the security of God’s love. [01:00:58]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Reflection: Is there a part of you that still feels you need to “measure up” before God? How can you practice receiving His unearned grace today, even in your weaknesses?

Day 4: We Are Saved for Good Works—Not by Good Works

While our works do not save us, God has created us to do good works as a response to His grace. When we live out our faith through love, service, and excellence, we become a testimony to God’s transforming power. Our good works are not a means to earn God’s favor, but a way to reflect His glory and point others to the freedom we have found in Christ. [01:03:04]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Reflection: What is one specific act of love or service you can do today—not to earn God’s approval, but to reflect His grace to someone else?

Day 5: Freedom Is Not a License to Sin—Walk by the Spirit

True freedom in Christ is not about doing whatever we want, but about living by the Spirit and using our freedom to serve others in love. Paul warns against both legalism and using grace as an excuse for sin, calling us instead to a life marked by holiness, responsibility, and love. As we walk by the Spirit, we experience the fullness of freedom Jesus died to give us, and our lives become a witness to His transforming power. [01:05:51]

Galatians 5:13, 16 (ESV)
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... But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Reflection: Where are you tempted to misuse your freedom or take God’s grace for granted? How can you intentionally walk by the Spirit and serve someone in love today?

Sermon Summary

Freedom in Christ is not just a one-time event but an ongoing journey. Jesus has already set us free—free from sin, shame, and the impossible demands of the law. Yet, the challenge is to remain in that freedom, not slipping back into old patterns of legalism or using grace as an excuse for careless living. Paul’s letter to the Galatians reminds us that salvation is not about modifying our behavior to earn God’s approval, but about a heart transformed by the grace of Jesus. The law was never meant to save us; it was meant to show us our need for a Savior. Jesus fulfilled every requirement on our behalf, and now we are invited to live in the fullness of his finished work.

The Galatians struggled with the temptation to add requirements to the gospel, believing that certain works—like circumcision—were necessary for God’s acceptance. Paul’s response is passionate and direct: adding anything to the work of Christ is not just unnecessary, it’s a distortion of the gospel itself. If we try to earn our salvation, we will also feel the pressure to keep it by our own efforts, which leads only to frustration and bondage. Instead, we are called to receive the free gift of grace, to rest in what Jesus has done, and to let that grace empower us to live differently.

Grace is not just unmerited favor; it is also supernatural empowerment. We are not saved by our works, but we are saved for good works—acts of love, service, and faithfulness that flow from a transformed heart. True freedom is not the absence of boundaries, nor is it a license to do whatever we want. It is the presence of Jesus, who enables us to walk in holiness, serve others in love, and reflect God’s glory in our everyday lives. The invitation is to stop striving, stop trying to earn what has already been given, and instead, to walk in the freedom and purpose that Christ has secured for us.

Key Takeaways

1. Freedom in Christ is a gift, not a reward for our efforts. The Galatians were tempted to add requirements to the gospel, but Paul insists that Jesus’ sacrifice is enough. When we try to earn God’s favor, we end up in bondage to rules and lose sight of the simplicity of grace. True freedom comes from trusting in Christ’s finished work, not our own performance. [44:23]
2. Salvation is not about modifying our behavior, but about a transformed heart. Paul rebukes the Galatians for turning back to works, reminding them that the Spirit was given because they believed, not because they obeyed the law. Lasting change comes from the inside out, as God’s Spirit renews us and empowers us to live differently. [54:03]
3. Legalism and license are both distortions of freedom. Paul warns against falling into religious legalism—trying to earn or keep salvation by works—but also cautions against using grace as an excuse for sin. True freedom is found in walking by the Spirit, serving others in love, and living responsibly in the grace we’ve received. [65:51]
4. Grace is both unmerited favor and supernatural empowerment. We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works—acts of love, service, and excellence that point others to Jesus. When people see the transformation in our lives, it becomes a testimony to God’s power and goodness. [63:04]
5. Staying free requires daily dependence on Jesus, not on ourselves. We must resist the urge to earn God’s love or to prove our worth, and instead, continually receive and rely on his grace. As we do, we are set free from condemnation, empowered to live holy lives, and equipped to bring God’s love to the world around us. [69:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Series Introduction: No Longer Bound
[02:30] - Recap of Previous Weeks
[04:10] - The Call to Stay Free
[07:00] - Galatians 5:1 and the Nature of Freedom
[10:30] - The Context of Galatians and the Law
[14:00] - The Old Covenant and Circumcision
[18:00] - Jesus Fulfills the Law
[21:00] - The Problem of Legalism in Galatia
[25:00] - Paul’s Rebuke: Foolish Galatians
[29:00] - Salvation: Transformed Heart, Not Modified Behavior
[33:00] - Personal Stories: Making Life Harder Than It Is
[37:00] - The Simplicity of Grace
[41:00] - Saved by Grace, For Good Works
[46:00] - Avoiding Legalism and License
[50:00] - Walking in Freedom and Serving Others
[54:00] - Prayer and Invitation to Respond

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Galatians 5:1 (ESV) — > For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

- Galatians 3:1-3 (ESV)
> O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

- Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
> For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Observation Questions

In Galatians 5:1, what does Paul say Christ has done for us, and what does he warn us not to do again?
According to Galatians 3:2, how did the Galatians receive the Spirit—by obeying the law or by believing the message about Christ? ([46:44])
What was the main issue the Galatian church was struggling with, according to the sermon? ([44:23])
In Ephesians 2:8-10, what is the relationship between grace, faith, and good works?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul is so passionate and even harsh in his language toward the Galatians (“O foolish Galatians!”)? What’s at stake if they add requirements to the gospel? ([46:10])
The sermon says, “Salvation is not modified behavior, it is a transformed heart.” What does this mean, and how is it different from just trying to be a better person? ([54:03])
How can both legalism (trying to earn God’s favor) and license (using grace as an excuse to sin) distort the freedom we have in Christ? ([01:05:51])
The sermon describes grace as both “unmerited favor” and “supernatural empowerment.” How do these two aspects of grace work together in the Christian life? ([01:00:58])

Application Questions

The sermon says, “Once you get free, you have to stay free.” Are there areas in your life where you feel tempted to go back to old patterns of legalism or self-effort? What does that look like for you? ([40:44])
Have you ever tried to earn God’s love or approval by your own efforts? What did that feel like, and what would it look like to rest in what Jesus has already done for you? ([59:57])
The Galatians were tempted to add requirements to the gospel. Are there “extra” things (rules, traditions, expectations) you’ve felt pressured to add to your faith? How can you tell if something is a helpful discipline or an unnecessary burden? ([44:23])
The sermon warns against using grace as an excuse for careless living. Are there areas where you might be taking God’s grace for granted? What would it look like to “walk by the Spirit” instead? ([01:05:51])
Ephesians 2:10 says we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” What is one specific act of love or service you feel God is calling you to this week? ([01:03:04])
The pastor shared a story about making life harder than it needed to be by missing a simple solution. Can you think of a time when you complicated your relationship with God instead of simply trusting his grace? What did you learn from that experience? ([58:36])
The sermon says, “Staying free requires daily dependence on Jesus, not on ourselves.” What is one practical way you can remind yourself to depend on Jesus each day this week? ([01:09:23])

Sermon Clips

Once you get free you have to stay free. You got to fight for it. Jesus fought for you to have it, but you and I have to fight to keep it. [00:34:30] (15 seconds) #FightToStayFree

If he doesn't do another thing for me, he's already set me free. I don't know about you, but Christ set me free from some pretty bad stuff and I never want to go back. And so that's all he ever does for me—are you kidding me? Healing me from abuse, setting me free from addiction, restoring my marriage and guaranteeing me my place in eternity with him forever—if that's all he ever does, that's enough. [00:36:46] (31 seconds) #FreedomIsEnough

Salvation is not modified behavior. It is a transformed heart. Salvation is not modified behavior, it is a transformed heart. And you and I can't transform our own hearts. If we could, we wouldn't need Jesus. [00:54:03] (26 seconds) #TransformedNotModified

Although Paul tells us, listen, he says that we aren't saved by our works, but we are saved for works. See, you're not saved by works. You are saved for works. [01:01:12] (17 seconds) #GodChoseYou

That is a huge difference between all of the religions of the world and Christianity. See, in all the other religions, we have to do everything we can to get to God. But in Christianity, God did everything he could to get to us. You don't run to God. He runs to you. You didn't find God. He found you. [01:03:15] (24 seconds) #LivingProofOfGrace

We're talking about staying free. How do you stay free? By staying away from works. Salvation. Works-based salvation. Where we have to earn our place in God. No, no, no. That's religious legalism. And some of us have grown up in those faith traditions. Where we were told, you better say this or you better do this or else God will fill in the blank. And it produced legalism in your heart. And it produced a transactional form of Christianity, which isn't Christianity at all. [01:04:26] (31 seconds) #UnconditionalFamily

Freedom is not the absence of sin. It's the presence of Jesus. God doesn't forgive me when I clean myself up. That's why the cross exists. But then I have a responsibility to choose to utilize and to appropriate my freedom. Responsibly. [01:07:05] (17 seconds) #GraceInAction

``Jesus died so that we could become free and so that we can stay free. And we do that by realizing I don't earn my place in the family. I don't keep my place in the family. And I don't use grace as a license of sin. I use grace to walk in the freedom that Christ died for me to have. That's how you stay free. [01:09:02] (22 seconds)

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