No Other Gospel – week 10

5-Day Devotional on Galatians 5:1-15

Day 1: Standing Firm in Freedom

Summary:
Paul reminds the Galatians that Christ has set them free from the yoke of the law. They are encouraged to stand firm in this freedom and not fall back into the burden of legalism.

Read:

• Galatians 5:1
• Romans 8:1-2
• Matthew 11:28-30

Background:
Paul addresses a key issue in the Galatian church: the Judaizers were urging Gentile believers to follow Jewish customs to be “right” with God. But Paul emphasizes that Christ’s death and resurrection freed them from the need to rely on the law for righteousness. This freedom is a gift that should not be compromised by legalism or human effort.

Key Words:

• Freedom: The liberation from the law and sin given by Christ.
• Yoke of slavery: The burden of trying to earn righteousness through the law.
• Stand firm: A call to remain resolute in the freedom Christ provides.

Theological Truths:
John Calvin wrote, “Christ is not the minister of half-righteousness or half-salvation, but He has delivered His people entirely.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. What does it mean for you to stand firm in Christ’s freedom?

2. In what ways do you find yourself tempted to add to the gospel with “rules” or self-made standards?

3. How can you recognize when you’re slipping back into a “yoke of slavery”?

Application:
Identify one area in your life where you are tempted to depend on your own efforts instead of Christ’s finished work. Pray for strength to let go and trust fully in His freedom.

Day 2: Freedom from Self-Reliance

Summary:
Paul warns the Galatians that if they try to achieve righteousness through the law, they alienate themselves from Christ. Our righteousness is by faith alone.

Read:

• Galatians 5:2-4
• Ephesians 2:8-9
• Isaiah 64:6

Background:
Paul points out that seeking righteousness through self-reliance and works (like circumcision) separates believers from the saving power of Christ. He reminds the Galatians that salvation is a gift of grace through faith and not something that can be earned by human effort.

Key Words:

• Grace: God’s unearned favor and the foundation of salvation.
• Self-reliance: Dependence on one’s own efforts to achieve righteousness.
• Alienated from Christ: The separation that occurs when we trust in works over grace.

Theological Truths:
Martin Luther said, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone. It always produces good works, but never relies on them.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. In what ways are you tempted to rely on your own efforts for spiritual growth or approval?

2. How does understanding God’s grace help you let go of self-reliance?

3. What are some practical steps to shift your focus from self-reliance to grace?

Application:
Today, reflect on the fact that you are saved entirely by grace, not by anything you can do. Take a moment to thank God for His gift and surrender any areas where you are tempted to “earn” His favor.

Day 3: True Freedom and Responsibility

Summary:
Paul teaches that our freedom in Christ should not be an excuse for sin, but rather an opportunity to serve others in love.

Read:

• Galatians 5:13
• 1 Peter 2:16
• Romans 6:1-2

Background:
With freedom comes responsibility. Paul addresses the potential misuse of Christian liberty, warning the Galatians not to indulge the flesh. Instead, their freedom should lead them to serve one another, reflecting Christ’s love and humility.

Key Words:

• Freedom: Liberty from the power of sin, not a license for selfishness.
• Flesh: The sinful nature that seeks self-indulgence and opposes the Spirit.
• Serve one another: The call to use our freedom to love and support others.

Theological Truths:
Timothy Keller wrote, “True freedom is not the absence of limitations, but the presence of the right limitations, which lead to a life of love and service.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does your freedom in Christ shape the way you view others?

2. What are some practical ways you can use your freedom to serve rather than indulge in selfish desires?

3. How does love for others help you resist the temptation to misuse your freedom?

Application:
Make a plan today to use your freedom in Christ to serve someone. It could be a small act of kindness or taking time to help someone in need.

Day 4: Faith Expressed Through Love

Summary:
Paul emphasizes that in Christ, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters—what matters is faith working through love.

Read:

• Galatians 5:5-6
• James 2:14-17
• 1 Corinthians 13:2

Background:
In a context where some believers were prioritizing outward signs like circumcision, Paul refocuses on the heart of the gospel. He explains that our faith should be seen in the way we love others, as genuine love reflects true faith.

Key Words:

• Faith working through love: The expression of genuine faith in acts of love.
• Circumcision: Used here to represent religious rituals that cannot justify us.
• Hope of righteousness: The assurance we have in Christ’s ultimate return and our future glorification.

Theological Truths:
John Stott commented, “The only faith which counts for anything is a faith that expresses itself in love.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. In what ways does your faith currently express itself through love?

2. Why do you think Paul places such importance on love as the expression of faith?

3. How can you ensure that your faith is seen in acts of love rather than in external practices?

Application:
Look for opportunities to demonstrate your faith through love today. It could be through a kind word, a prayer, or an act of generosity.

Day 5: Living Out Freedom by the Spirit

Summary:
Paul calls the Galatians to live in the Spirit, which enables them to avoid returning to the bondage of sin and self-righteousness. True freedom is walking by the Spirit and reflecting Christ’s character.

Read:

• Galatians 5:14-15
• Romans 8:1-4
• John 15:5

Background:
Paul addresses the relational conflicts in the Galatian church, urging them to avoid strife by living in the Spirit. When believers walk by the Spirit, they reflect Christ’s character in their relationships, avoiding harmful attitudes and actions.

Key Words:

• Spirit: The Holy Spirit, who enables believers to live out true freedom in Christ.
• Bondage: The slavery that results from relying on the law or indulging in the flesh.
• Love your neighbor: The command that fulfills the law and reflects Christ’s character.

Theological Truths:
Charles Spurgeon said, “True freedom is to feel that my will is consumed in His will, and that all that is truly mine is Christ’s.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does living by the Spirit help you avoid falling into either legalism or sin?

2. What does it mean to “love your neighbor” in practical terms within your community?

3. How does a Spirit-led life transform your relationships with others?

Application:
Pray today for a renewed sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your life. Ask for help to love others genuinely and to reflect the character of Christ in all your interactions.