Hmong Baptist National Association

Embracing True Freedom 

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By: Dr. Joseph Yang 

Bible Passage: Galatians 5:1 (NIV) 

” It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” 

Summary 

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he addresses a community struggling with the question of what it means to live as a follower of Christ. Galatians 5:1 is a powerful reminder of the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. This freedom is not merely a release from physical bondage or societal constraints but a profound spiritual liberation. Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers are freed from the chains of sin and the burden of the law. Paul urges the Galatians to stand firm in this freedom and resist the temptation to return to the old ways of legalism and sin. 

Reflection 

Freedom is a cherished value in our world today. We often associate it with the ability to make choices, speak our minds, and live without oppression. While these aspects of freedom are important, the freedom that Paul speaks of in Galatians 5:1 goes much deeper. It is a freedom that transforms our very being. 

  1. Freedom from Sin: 

Before knowing Christ, we were slaves to sin, unable to break free from its grasp. This slavery manifests in various forms such as addiction, destructive behaviors, and guilt. Christ’s death and resurrection broke these chains, offering us forgiveness and a new life. Romans 6:22 (NIV) states, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” 

  1. Freedom from the Law: 

In the context of Galatians, Paul addresses the Jewish law. The law was a guide but could not save. It highlighted human inability to achieve righteousness on our own. Christ fulfilled the law, offering grace and making us righteous through faith. This freedom from the law doesn’t mean lawlessness but living in the Spirit, guided by love. 

  1. Living in Freedom: 

Embracing our freedom in Christ calls us to live differently. We are no longer bound by the need to earn our salvation or prove our worth. Instead, we are invited to live out our faith through love and service. Galatians 5:13 (NIV) says, “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.” 

  1. Standing Firm: 

Paul’s exhortation to “stand firm” is crucial. Freedom in Christ is a gift that must be guarded. The world, with its various distractions and temptations, can easily lure us back into bondage. Regular prayer, studying the Word, and fellowship with other believers are essential practices to help us remain steadfast in our freedom. 

  1. Reflecting Freedom in Our Lives: 

True freedom transforms how we interact with others. It calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to love unconditionally, and to extend grace. Our lives become a testament to the liberating power of Christ, drawing others to the same freedom we enjoy. 

Closing Prayer 

Heavenly Father, 

We thank You for the precious gift of freedom through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We are grateful that we are no longer slaves to sin and the law but are free to live in Your grace and love. Help us to stand firm in this freedom, resisting anything that seeks to bring us back into bondage. Fill us with Your Spirit, guiding us to live lives that reflect Your love and grace to the world around us. May we use our freedom not for selfish gain but to serve others humbly and extend Your kingdom.  

In Jesus’ name, we pray. 

Amen.