“It is for freedom that
Christ has set you free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by the yoke of slavery."
Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
“It is for freedom. .
. “A We hear in the legal world that every action has a motive behind it.
When a person is tried for a crime, the plaintiff’s counsel receives
information as to the defendant’s motive-the reason that caused the person to
transgress the law. God’s motive for His granting us salvation is His desire to
free us from the consequence of our sins.
“. . . Christ has set
you free. . .”Jesus erases the black marks of our sins. He cleanses us and
makes us whole. We learn to function
without the weight of our sins on our hearts.
“Stand firm. . .”
Paul tells the believers of Galatia and his future readers to Stand firm-not to
not be afraid, not to hang back.
“. . . do not let
yourselves. . .” We sometimes allow ourselves to let things get us down.
Recently, I sat in a committee meeting at our church. A retired minister
related a story about something that happened to him when he was in the active
ministry. The take-away from his story is that he made a choice to not be
offended by a person’s words. When we face others, we have a choice—to react or
not react to the circumstances. We have a Lord that loves us so much that he
can handle anything evil. Rather than fuming about issues, we all need to
intentionally turn them over to the Lord.
“. . . be burdened by
the yoke of slavery.” When we are held in bondage to sin we become bent
over with the weight we carry. We become
burdened with trying to surmise who knows what we did. Also, we worry if our
friends will think kindly of us. y
Love, love, love this scripture Cecelia. Thanks for posting on it. My husband and I did a whole weekend teaching on this verse... it is so rich, so powerful, such a great lesson.
ReplyDeleteMarja; Thank you for stopping by. I find that certain scriptures hold more meaning as I advance in my walk with Him.
DeleteI am reading a book that causes me to think more seriously about my faith.
I try and understand this concept and also explain it to my kids..it is so deep! Sin enslaves, and Christ frees...amazing, isn't it?!
ReplyDeleteAnnmarie;
DeleteThere are some aspects of Christianity we have to take on faith. I used to try to explain some aspects to my husband before he found the Lord. I could tell when he didn't understand my words. Hubby had to experience Christ in order to believe those concepts.
I agree with Marja. It is one worth meditating on, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend!
Blessings,
Karen
Thank you for your kind words, Karen. We have to spend time in the Word to find out what God expects from us.
DeleteThe very thing I've been pursuing...freedom in Christ, and you've confirmed it.
ReplyDeleteGratefully,
Rhonda
Rhonda: Thank you for your kind thought.
DeleteI especially needed this thought that I have a choice as to getting offended or not. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteJeanette; We all need to remember that we have the choice. I believe it's due to our humanity that we take the offensive attitude. I am pointing three fingers back at myself at the moment.
Delete"But he that fixes his view on the perfect law, that of liberty, and abides in it, being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, he shall be blessed in his doing", James 1: 25.
ReplyDeleteDavid: Thank you for stopping here at my blog. Thank you, also, for the scripture quote.
DeleteI really love it when people take apart Scripture to explain it's meaning to them. Thank you so much for your sharing! It really helps when others, like your minister, share their experiences too. It really stays with you, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteI also love the letters of St. Paul. Just as apt today as way back then.
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
Thank you, Ceil, for your warm thoughts. It has always helped me to understand scripture better when I look at it in sections. And, you are right, Paul's writings are always relevant.
Delete