When you think of the concept of freedom, what comes to mind. For me, I can’t help but think of the great sacrifice so many have made in the history of our country to allow us to experience the great freedoms we have in America. We are free from the dominating rule of another. As a result, we can pursue our hopes and dreams.

Paul reminds us of an even greater freedom in Gal. 5:1 which says, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” This short verse is packed with truth.

Th first thing that stood out to me is that Paul uses both the noun and verb form of “freedom” to make his point. As a result of a past action, we are now set free. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, freedom is a reality for his disciples now. He has set us free from the power of death and the yoke of slavery to the Law and we are to live now as free men and women. What a privilege and blessing!

Secondly, the term “yoke” is describing the beam that coupled two animals together. We were coupled to death and the Law. Jesus has broken this burden and set us free! We should be a thankful people.

Third, we should not allow ourselves to be placed again under anything that could make us its slave. No law of man, or religious law should be allowed to control us in our attempt to gain God’s approval. In addition, our freedom should not place us in a position to come under the controlling influence of anything that could dominate us.

As Paul clarifies for us, the amazing truth of freedom does not mean we have license to do whatever we want. In 1 Cor. 6:12 Paul tells us “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” What does this mean? We are free, but we need to make sure our freedom does not lead us into some behavior that ends up controlling us or lead to unprofitable behavior. As free men and women, we have the ability to choose to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He is our helper to live as Jesus desires. What a blessing!

Father, thank you for the amazing reality of freedom because of what Jesus has done for me. I am free from death and the Law. Help me to use my freedom as you intended it. May I live under your leadership so that you can enable me to live as you desire.

Following Jesus with you,

Jeff