“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves
be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1
Christ’s Gift of Freedom
“Christ died that we might be delivered from the yoke of the ceremonial law and from the servitude of sin.” – Matthew Henry
Henry reminds us that freedom in Christ is not just forgiveness, but release from the burden of trying to earn God’s acceptance. We are no longer slaves to guilt or fear — we are beloved children of God. This means our worth is secure, not based on performance or perfection, but on God’s grace. When we truly grasp this, we stop striving for approval and start living with joy and confidence in His love.
Standing Firm in Grace
“Christian freedom is not the right to do as we please but the power to do what we ought.” – John Stott
Stott explains that true freedom is not reckless autonomy but Spirit-enabled obedience. Standing firm means refusing to go back to striving or self-reliance. It is a daily choice to trust Christ’s finished work instead of measuring ourselves by success or failure. When we stand in grace, we live from acceptance, not for acceptance — our obedience becomes an act of gratitude rather than fear.
Freedom Expressed in Love
“Freedom to serve is the very essence of Christian freedom.” – William Barclay
Barclay shows that our freedom is not for selfish indulgence but for Spirit-filled love. When we belong fully to Christ, we are freed to forgive, to show mercy, and to bless others. This is where freedom finds its deepest purpose — not in self-assertion but in self-giving. As we serve others, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who laid down His life so that we might truly live.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for setting us free. Help us stand firm in Your grace and never return to fear or striving. By Your Spirit, teach us to use our freedom to love, forgive, and serve in Your name. Amen.
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