Faith Working Through Love: Stand Firm!

Sunday will be our last study in Galatians until September. Our study this summer will be in Ephesians 6, considering the “Armor of God.” Our text this week in Galatians 5:1 sets us up well for our summer study. Here Paul urges us to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has won for us and granted us through his grace. As is typical with Paul, he begins with a declaration, “For freedom Christ has set us free.” This forms the foundation for his directive to stand firm.

“Stand firm” is an imperative. It’s a directive! He’s telling us to fight, not to earn our freedom, but to live in it, because it is constantly being challenged. What challenges our freedom? Our own fear that God doesn’t treat us according to grace. The legalism of others who live in their fear. The narcissism of those who want to abuse freedom. 

So come Sunday and let’s consider this admonition to stand in the freedom of Christ. Then next week we’ll consider the armor we need to engage in this battle!