One of These Things Is Not Like the Other

Paul calls the Galatians back to the freedom we have in Jesus. Here in these verses, he lets us know two things. First, what freedom is NOT. Second, what freedom actually is. 

One of these things is not like the other. One of these things is not the same.

Freedom is a HUGE theme in this letter. Some have called Galatians the Magna Carta of our faith, declaring the freedom we have as followers of Jesus. 

Earlier, Paul is brokenhearted over the covert infiltration of the Judaizers to steal believers' freedom in Christ (Gal 2:4). 

Later, the apostle makes like Patrick Henry as he shouts, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery" (Gal 5:1).

The entire letter to this point warns us against the dangers of legalism and trying to take our salvation into our own hands. Only Jesus saves. And He saves completely. 

There's nothing we can do to add to what He's done on our behalf. As a matter of fact, when we focus on what we must do to be saved, we reject the power of the cross (Gal 5:3-4).

Paul reminds us once again of that wonderful new reality we have when we place our trust in what Jesus has done us. "For you were called to freedom, brothers" (v13). 

Jesus has called us. He has called us to Himself. And as part of that call, He promises to not only justify us but glorify in His very image (Rom 8:30).

But here Paul takes just a moment to say what freedom is not. Don't be confused. Just because Jesus has set us free, don't misunderstand what that means. "Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh" (v13). 

This is Bible talk for: IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!!! Jesus didn't set me free so it could be all about me. As a matter of fact, one of the very things from which He's granted us freedom is our sinful selves!

We're not to use our newfound freedom in Christ as a "Get Out of Hell Free" card. Just because I'm under grace doesn't mean I can now slop at the trough of self-centeredness. It's not a license to sin. 

That's Paul's entire point in Romans 6. "Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!" (Rom 6:1).

The Greek here in verse 13 is interesting. The apostle uses the word αφορμη/aphorme. Most versions translate it as “opportunity" or “occasion." But it really has nothing to do with time. 

This noun actually describes a military base or outpost that an army stages an attack. In other words, don't let your liberty from sin actually become base of operations for sin and self to continue to attack. 

Using a war analogy to describe the conflict between the Spirit and our flesh, the victory over our sinful flesh is won. But occasional skirmishes continue. Don't let the guerillas of sin occupy the fort of freedom.

So if my freedom in Christ is not about me, who's it about? Well, Paul's glad you asked. "Through love serve one another" (v13). Once again, IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!!! 

I need to look in the mirror and remind myself, "This ain't about you, big boy." As a matter of fact, I need to remember that Jesus has freed me to live joyfully in third place. God first. Others second. Me third.

I love the word play that Paul uses here. When he tells us, "Through love serve one another," he literally tells us to "be enslaved to one another" (Gr. δουλευω/douleuo). This is the verb form of the Greek word δουλος/doulos, which means slave or bondservant. 

Again this reminds us of what the apostle will later write to the Romans about our change of status. Once we were slaves to sin. Now we're slaves of God (Rom 6:20-22). We're free from the "mirror, mirror on the wall." Now we're free to love them all.  

And if I can't get my eyes off the mirror, then I fail to have any real comprehension of the grace He's given me.

Freedom FROM sin is not freedom TO sin. It’s freedom to love. And love is NOT self serve. Love is "me third.”

©2012

Jay Jennings