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Text: Galatians 5:1 – 12 Title: Freedom from bondage is in Christ, and we need not
return. A. Two important facts in verse one. 1. V. 1a “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,” Paul declares that we are free in Christ, but free from what? a. We have freedom from slavery to our sinful desires. We no longer need to serve sin; it is no longer our master. b. To the well-meaning but unable-to-save Jewish law. No one has ever been saved by works nor will they ever. c. Christ has set the believer free from works for salvation. Works for salvation is a Satanic justification. Romans 3:20 “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” 2. Paul was speaking to believers. V. 1b “and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. a. These young Christians were returning to the old customs of Jewish Law just as some today return to works or the slavery of working for that which is a gift. Chapter 3:1 “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you,” b. If salvation in Christ brings freedom then why should we labor for what God has given? James says we labor because of faith, not for salvation. James 2:20-24 “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (21.) Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? (22.) Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? (23.) And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (24.) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” Works are the results of salvation not for salvation. 1. Abraham offered his son Isaac because God told him to and he desired to do as the Lord commanded because he was saved. 2. If Isaac was to be sacrificed for Abraham’s salvation then the Ram had sin cleansing blood. 3. Abraham’s offer of Isaac was a deed as a result of Abraham’s faith; it had nothing to do with his salvation. c. These folks had been turned from truth to Satan’s lie and had started living the old customs again. B. Paul says returning to the old customs is profitless. V. 2 “Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.” 1. Christ can profit you nothing; for, by seeking justification by the works of the law, you renounce justification by faith in Christ. a. Works rejects Christ as Saviour. Some will ask what can it hurt. It is a rejection of the true Saviour. b. Galatians 2:21 “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” The word “frustrate” means to cut off or cast aside. c. Faith and works for salvation cannot co-exist. One who believes in works disbelieves Grace and one who disbelieves grace, grace cannot profit them. Philippians 3:4-9 “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: (5.) Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; (6.) Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. (7.) But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (8.) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (9.) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” 2. V. 3 “For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.” a. Some will say that you do not have to be perfect to be justified by works, says who, not Paul. b. Not James, James 2:10 “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” c. Paul calls works a curse, Galatians 3:10 “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” d. The Lord Jesus said we were free how can one be free if they are in this sort of bondage? Paul said it was a curse because it is one. Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” e. Paul asked these folks, do you even understand what you are up against? Galatians 4:21 “Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear (that is understand) the law?” C. Paul continues and makes two propounding statements. V. 4 “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” 1. “Christ is become of no effect unto you,” a. It is vain for you to attempt to unite the two systems. You must have the law and no Christ, or Christ and no law, for your justification. b. They had withdrawn from Christ and therefore He was of no effect to them. Basically they had in their own hearts, rendered Christ useless and profitless. c. Christ is not needed for salvation if works are any part of it. d. Has the law justified you are has Christ freely justified you by grace. e. Romans 9:31-32 “But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. (32.) Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;” 2. “ye are fallen from grace.” a. The word “fallen” means “take none effect” which appears to say that grace means nothing to you. b. The Lord is not speaking about a personal salvation here He is speaking about the system of salvation. c. Man cannot undo what God has done. Romans 8:29 – 39 d. This comes from my Life
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