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We Are Called To Freedom – Galatians 5:13
We Are Called To Freedom – Galatians 5:13
Paul wrote to the Galatians: "you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." As children of God we have learned the truth and the truth has set us free (John 8:32). We have become free from the condemnation of our sinful lives that we lived.
This freedom from sin has the responsibility to live apart from sin. Such freedom is not a freedom TO sin. We are to put off the works of the flesh and not participate in such ungodliness (Gal. 5:19-21). As children of God, we are to put off the old man and be renewed in the spirit of our minds (Eph. 4:22-24). As God's children we are to 'come out from among them [the world] and be separate from them, and touch no unclean thing" (2Cor. 7:17-18). Paul made application of that by commanding: "Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God" (2Cor. 7:1).
So many people today have misunderstood this freedom that we have in Christ. If we use such freedom as an opportunity to the flesh, we shall of the flesh reap corruption (Gal. 6:8). If we walk according to the flesh we shall die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" (Rom. 8:13-14).
Brethren, we are free because we have been purchased with a great price, the blood of Jesus. Let us then glorify God in our body.
Hugh DeLong
