Sermons on freedom and legalism often can be heard in this way: “point 1 …we are free from legalism …. Point 2 … now here’s a list of things not to do as a Christian.” It seems it is hard to totally kill off legalism! We just sugar coat it up a bit to try and make it look different.
This is important as we begin to read into a final section of the letter where Paul speaks of our discipleship to Christ and how to live our lives in the freedom He has given us.
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” Galatians 5:13-15
In contrast to the legalists we are free. But it is so much more than that.
In contrast to those who perform FOR ACCEPTANCE from God we are free.
That is the key. FOR ACCEPTANCE.
This is not about the list. There are good things on the list. There are things that are not good to do and there are things that are very good to do. But it is the attitude behind those things and the reason for those things that is important.
Generally speaking there are two ways we try to live. We try to be the best Christian around and keep all the rules we have been given or we don’t bother with any of the rules of living and we live for ourselves. This is where Paul begins.
Freedom is not for yourself. In fact Paul is clear that actually it is not about you but about others. “You, my brothers and sisters” brings us to recognise that we are family, there are others here not just me. Don’t let your freedom be about you, don’t “indulge” you, but “serve one another humbly in love.” Here it is, “the entire law” not just circumcision laws or other aspects of the Torah, but the entirety, love other people.
If every dispute and every division that has ever been created by Christians went through the filter of just 2 things then there actually would be no hurt from disunity ever. Of course you know what it is, the royal law. (Mark 12:28-31) The Royal law is to love the only one God alone and to make a commitment that you will demonstrate your love for Him by your love for others. This is the foundation that the list of behaviours sits on. It is not for approval but a demonstration of our love for God.
The vertical relationship is expressed in the horizontal relationship. You cannot separate your worship of God and how you relate to others.
Nothing is greater than the commands to love. All the other great things we can do in life are secondary.
Whatever you long for, long for it for your neighbour. Whatever you seek then also give.
Let love for yourself be first transformed and fulfilled in the One who gives life abundantly and who satisfies the heart, soul and mind. Then from this place love others with the same love that transformed your self-love. This is the freedom we have been given.
Missions Paul 