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"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty..."

Text: Galatians 5:13

THE THEOLOGY OF LIBERTY

The theology of liberty in Christ was one that Paul upheld and defended strongly. The liberty that Paul proclaimed however had to be carefully articulated and then applied correctly.

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty;
only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh,
but through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13

1. “For you, brethren”

a) Paul continues to gently relate to the Galatians as “brethren”.

b) He was persuaded that good sense would prevail and they would return to their original faith.

2. “Called”

The doctrine of calling was well defined by the apostle Paul. The following may be highlighted:-

a) Called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)

b) Called to be justified (Romans 8:30)

c) Called to be saints (1 Corinthians 1:2)

d) Called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:9)

e) Called to liberty

i) This was a new perspective added.

ii) Liberty from the bondage of the law.

iii) Liberty from sin.

3. “Only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh”

a) Liberty can be abused.

b) It can cause some to blatantly go against the law for selfish and sinful reasons.

c) It can be abused to allow the flesh to seize the opportunity to do that which is wrong.

4. “But through love serve one another”

a) Love must be used with liberty.

b) Service must also be used with liberty.

i) Service is therefore not a mere fulfilling of the requirements of the law.

ii) Service is offered out of a heart of compassion and love.

iii) Serving each other is not done out of obligation but genuine love.