Galatians Part 10: Paul defends the gospel (e)—2:15-6:16

B. Called to freedom—5:13-26

One of Paul’s central themes is that of freedom (2:4; 4:26, 31; 5:1). He did not define it practically before this point in his epistle, so now he moves toward defining what he means by freedom for Christians.

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1. Do not let freedom lead to the desires of the flesh—5:13-15

5:13—For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another—Paul’s mention here of freedom is very similar to that in 5:1, but now he warns them not to allow this freedom to become an excuse for sinful behaviour. The opposite of legalism is antinomianism, the idea that since we are not under the Law that we are not under any law and can therefore live like we want, yet will be saved anyhow. Paul answered this question in Rom 6:15, “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be!” This shows a misunderstanding of grace. Paul also asked, “WHAT shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?” Paul’s very obvious answer to this question is “no!”

Just because we are no longer under the Mosaic legislation does not mean that we have no law at all! “For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.” (Heb 7:12) The fact remains, we are not without law at all. We are under a new law. The law of Christ, based on grace. Under this law we do not work for our salvation by the things we do. We are saved by grace through faith. However, under this new law “He who began a good work in [us] will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:6) God is at work in our lives to sanctify us. Our walk with Christ WILL lead to a holier life as we are being sanctified by Him!
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