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Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ.

Galatians 5:1 (GW) Christ has freed us so 
that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom. 
Therefore, be firm in this freedom, and dont become 
slaves again.  

INTRODUCTION

Christ died to set us free from sin and from 
a long list of laws and regulations. Christ 
came to set us free - not free to do whatever we 
want because that would lead us back into slavery 
to our selfish desires. Rather, thanks to 
Christ, we are now free and able to do what was 
impossible before - to live unselfishly. Those who 
appeal to their freedom so that they can have their 
own way or indulge their own desires are falling 
back into sin. But it is also wrong to put a 
burden of law-keeping on Christians. We must stand 
against those who would enslave us with rules, 
methods, or special conditions for being saved or 
growing in Christ. [Life Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

The Supreme Constitution
   America has a great document that is 
valued and respected. It was written more than two 
hundred years ago by a number of men who labored 
long and debated even longer over its many 
provisions. The framers of the Constitution knew they 
were writing the basic document granting its 
citizens freedom. It described their rights, their 
privileges, and their limitations.  
   Just as America has grown and prospered 
within the framework of our Constitution, so 
Christianity has flourished and spread according to the 
laws set forth in Scripture.  
   As the Constitution is the highest law of 
the land, so the Bible is the highest law of 
God, in which He makes His enduring promises and 
reveals His plan of redemption for the human race.  
   Have you adopted the Bible as your 
Constitution for life? [Peace for Each Day by Billy 
Graham re John 1:17] 

COMMENTARY

The Price of Freedom
   I've been remembering this morning that 
our country's freedom is not, and never was, 
free. I've buried some friends who were soldiers, 
even during our latest war in the Middle East. 
But it was Vietnam that affected me the most. My 
dad was called to serve, and he was gone for 
more than a year.  
   My mom had a little tape recorder, and we 
would sit around and record messages to send him. 
We hoped that hearing our voices would be 
comforting. I also remember that we checked the mail 
every day to see if we had received a recording 
from him. When we did get one, we'd run into the 
house, call everyone together, and listen. Just 
hearing his voice made us feel better. It gave us 
hope that he would come home soon. And thanks to 
God, he finally did.  
   The freedom of worship we enjoy in our 
country was purchased by the lives of those brave 
warriors - both men and women - who didn't come home, 
those who paid the ultimate price. We should give 
thanks every day for those who bought our freedom 
and for Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price 
for our eternal freedom. His death and 
resurrection bring us hope that one day we will be with 
our heavenly Father forever.  
   Heavenly Father, thank you for the 
freedoms you have given us through your Son, Jesus, 
and those who have given their lives so that we 
might be free to worship you. In Jesus' name, 
Amen. [Celebrate Recovery Daily Devotional by John 
& Johnny Baker] 

   Several years ago, my son-in-law asked me 
to teach him cabinet-making. He had never done 
this kind of work before, so I agreed. We 
immediately ran into a problem. My son-in-law was eager 
to learn, but he didn't understand the value of 
wood. He would often make mistakes and then say, 
"I'm sorry." The next day he would repeat the 
same mistake and make the same response. After a 
while, I realized I would have to confront him. I 
called him into my office and said to him, "These 
mistakes are costing me money. I don't want to hear 
you apologize again until you're ready to start 
doing things differently." 
   I noticed a change that very day. My 
son-in-law started paying more attention to what he was 
doing, and his mistakes were reduced dramatically. 
He understood that his mistakes were costing 
someone - me. He doesn't have to say, "I'm sorry, 
much anymore, and he has become a fine 
cabinetmaker! 
   When I fail to understand the price that 
was paid for me, I repeatedly make poor choices. 
Grace is not free. The price that was paid for me 
is greater than my human mind can comprehend. 
That's why I pay attention to what God has 
instructed me to do and carefully consider my choices 
before I jump into something. My mistakes cost me 
nothing, but they cost God his Son. 
   Oh my Father, forgive my careless 
mistakes and help me to consider my ways carefully. 
In Jesus' name, Amen. [Celebrate Recovery Daily 
Devotional by John & Johnny Baker] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

   Picnics and fireworks, mosquito bites and 
the scent of sunscreen - all conjure the memory 
of July 4th gatherings. Im so grateful for 
the freedom I enjoy in my country. Liberty is a 
treasure worth celebrating with noisy fireworks and 
rousing marches from a local band.  
   But there is a far more amazing freedom 
that Ive been gifted because of the grace of 
Jesus. I am free to be loved by my Creator, free of 
the penalty of sin, free of a sense of 
worthlessness that tries to dog my steps. And Im free 
from the fear of death.  
   Galatians reminds me to stand firm in 
that freedom. Like the people in Galatia, I slip 
into thinking I need to do more, that perhaps 
Christs grace isnt enough. I take on burdens that 
arent mine to carry and forget the sufficiency of 
Jesus. I struggle to trust He has truly forgiven me 
for my mistakes.  
   So while I indulge in watermelon and corn 
on the cob, Ill also remember the deeper 
liberty of Independence Day. Shackles fall away. 
Doubts are swallowed up by joy. Grace gives my 
heart wings.  
   In Jesus, I am truly free. And thats 
something to celebrate. Sharon Hinck  
   Faith Step: Blow a horn, use a noise 
maker, applaud, and cheer. Celebrate your freedom 
in Christ today. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 
Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY 

Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201106-0954.html 

John 8:31, 32 - True Freedom is in A 
Relationship with Christ! 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200828-0847.html 

John 8:36 - Freedom Like No Other!

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2008/20080703-1935.html 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/