CHRISTIAN LIBERTY Galatians 5:13 © 2003 David K. Bernard

Christian Liberty “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).

A. Freedom from Sin “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin…. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:6-7, 18).

Freedom from Sin continued “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15).

B. Freedom from the Law “For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter” (Romans 7:5-6, NKJV).

1. Penalty of the Law “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree…. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster” (Galatians 3:13, 24-25).

2. Powerlessness of the Law “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:3-4).

3. Misuse of the Law “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Galatians 2:16).

4. Ceremony of the Law “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ” (Colossians 2:16-17, NKJV).

C. Freedom in Nonmoral Matters “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks” (Romans 14:1-6, NKJV).

Freedom in Nonmoral Matters In these areas, we must not judge others In these areas, we must not tempt others We must be true to our own convictions We must always obey God’s moral law

D. Exercising Liberty If the Bible speaks on a matter, specifically or in principle, we must obey Even if the Bible does not speak on a matter, we must follow guidelines for the proper exercise of Christian liberty Here are four questions to ask regarding an activity:

1. Is It Beneficial? “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient [helpful]” (I Corinthians 6:12a). “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not” (I Corinthians 10:23).

2. Can It Gain Power over Me? “All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (I Corinthians 6:12b).

3. Can It Harm Others? “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak…. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend” (I Corinthians 8:9, 13).

4. Can I Give Glory to God in It? “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).