Faith Working Through Love: Freedom's Use

Since salvation is by grace though faith, we’re not in danger of losing the gift of God, but we are in danger of surrendering our freedom. This is why Paul begins this chapter urging us to “stand firm” and “do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (5:1)

We can surrender our freedom two ways. First, we surrender by placing ourselves under the curse of the law believing that our obedience contributes to our salvation. We often refer to this as legalism or more broadly, moralism (5:2-12). Second, we surrender our freedom by indulging our flesh becoming enslaved to our sinful desires (5:13-15). Paul makes this case more strongly in Romans 6. This is often referred to as antinomianism or “against the law.”

So how do we avoid losing our freedom by surrendering to our flesh? Impose the law! No, the law has no power to transform hearts. Paul’s answer? “Walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (5:16)

So join us Sunday as we consider the work of the Spirit to transform our lives into loving servants of God.