Know God, Know Freedom; No God, No Freedom

KNOW GOD, KNOW FREEDOM; NO GOD, NO FREEDOM
Galatians 5:13-15

Pastor Terry Wilcox

The only source of real and lasting freedom is a relationship with Jesus Christ.

America has been a beacon of freedom because many of our leaders and citizens understood and believed that the source of freedom is recognition of, and obedience to, the God of creation as revealed in the Bible.

Galatians 5:13

1. Freedom from ourselves.
   Galatians 5:16-18
   This requires the Holy Spirit
2. Holy Spirit-generated freedom fosters love.
   a. We are called to liberty
     Those embracing Christ are:
   · free from the guilt of sin
   · free from the penalty of sin
   · free from the power of sin
   · free from the lawmisuse

   b. Paul issues a caution:
    Don’t misuse your freedom
    Liberty + love = service to others
    Liberty – love = licenseLove in the heart of Spirit-filled people is God’s best plan, replacing laws and threats.

3. We need the Holy Spirit to win this battle.
   Galatians 5:16-17

   In Romans 6-7 the flesh is referred to as the “old man.” In Romans 8 it is called the “carnal man.”

   Noah released a raven that did not return – Genesis 8:6-7. Then he released the dove and it returned – Genesis 8:8-12. Again he released a dove and it did not return.

   a. This battle is not won by will or won’t power.
    Galatians 5:18
    The solution is not our will against our flesh. It is to surrender our will to the Holy Spirit.

   b. The flesh can manufacture sin, but it cannot produce righteousness.
    Paul lists three categories:
   · Sensual sins – Galatians 5:19, 21b
   · Superstitions – Galatians 5:20
   · “Witchcraft” from the Greek “pharmakeia” … you’re right – pharmacy also derives from its social sins – Galatians 5:20b-21a

   Galatians 5:21 conveys Paul is not talking about an act of sin, but a habit of sin.
   Galatians 5:24 – The old nature must be crucified.

4. The Spirit enables us to produce fruit.
   Galatians 5:22-23, 25-26

   Difference between works and fruit: a machine in a factory works and turns out a product, but it can’t manufacture fruit.

   Fruit grows out of life.

   In the believer, it is the life of the Spirit.

   Think of the differences between carpentry and farming.

PERSONAL NOTES