(Galatians 5:16, NIV) "If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law." For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Freedom to love one another Paul has already insisted that … Continue reading "Commentary on Galatians 5:1, 13-25" But love is very different—it is motivated by the joy of sharing out fullness. Then, verses 13-25 will set out the nature, meaning, and parameters of that freedom. The first verse of our text for this week includes a reiteration of the great theme of Paul’s letter to the Galatians: “For freedom Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Commentary on Galatians 5:13-15 (Read Galatians 5:13-15) The gospel is a doctrine according to godliness, 1 Timothy 6:3, and is so far from giving the least countenance to sin, that it lays us under the strongest obligation to avoid and subdue it. (Galatians 5:18, NIV) End Notes Second, it means that we are free to follow the Spirit and produce good works that last forever because we have faith in … q Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love r serve one another. But Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth as a man, and died to pay the enormous price for our sin - for God, in His grace, sent His own dear Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, as the only acceptable offering for our sin. We are to live as Christ lived.. in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life.. and we are to love and serve one another - in the same way that Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. We must translate it “by the spirit,” but the connotation is probably not the Holy Spirit as a Person but rather that higher mode of … Heavenly Father, thank You for this important reminder that both legalism and a license to sin is unacceptable in the life of a child of God. The context of the verses we are going to study this morning are crucial to our understanding of Paul's words. No wonder that Paul reminded the Christians in Galatia that carnality is equally as abhorrent in the life of a Christian, as legalism, which binds us to keeping the Law which we can never attain. However, the church at Galatia did not understand the freedom they had in Christ, preferring to revert to the old legalistic way - which had been set aside by Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. Galatians is one of 13 inspired letters he addressed to Gentile congregations or his fellow workers. But lest anyone make the mistake of thinking that God does not care how we act, Paul is quick to remind his readers that our freedom is not intended to cause us to sin, but rather to love God and one another, to be humble, and to serve. Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Galatians 5:1, 13-25. We were not born under the Law, which was given to pre-Cross Israel, but have been saved by grace, during this post-Cross, church dispensation. ESV For you were called to freedom, brothers. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Jul 1, 2020. Galatians 5:13 KJV For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. We are not under the Law, but under grace. In chapter 2, Paul described his visit to the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15 (see note on 2:1), so he must have written Galatians after that event. (Galatians 5:13,16-17) According to verse 13, the sinful nature desires to establish itself in the Christian’s life. We have spiritual armour to protect ourselves from the ravages of the flesh and we have been given God's sufficient grace to stand fast in this evil day, and resist the devil and all his worldly temptations. Living Freely, Purely, Lovingly; Living By The Spirit; The Fruits Of The Old Nature And The Fruits Of The Spirit; Crucifying The Old Nature With Its Corrupt Desires; Living In Step With The Spirit And… Jesus said that his disciples were drawn to him by God (Jn 6:44), and such, cannot be taken away from him. NKJV For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13-26 It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Then as now, some Christians use the incredible freedom we have in Christ to indulge in worldly ways and carnal activities. ἡμεῖς γὰρ (true believers, Galatians 4:26; Galatians 4:28) πνεύματι. That every believer is a new creation in Christ, and is called to walk in the Spirit, to die unto sin, and to live unto righteousness, and thereby manifest the fruit of the Spirit, conforming oneself to the image of Christ; that good works are the fruit of the Christian life, and are not ways of justification. One of the principles of hermeneutics is that "context is king." Once we have been saved, and set free from slavery to sin, by faith, we become a new creation in Christ. NLT For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. Galatians 5:16-18 The opposition between the flesh and the Spirit, Galatians 5:19-21 the works of the flesh, Galatians 5:22-24 the fruits of the Spirit. ASV. KJV: King James Version EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: Paul established the church in Galatia (4:13-14), but had moved on. Additionally, we have been set free from the curse of the law. To get what Galatians 5:13 means based on its source text, scroll down or follow these links for the original scriptural meaning , biblical context  and relative popularity. AMP. 5:13-26 is the second preaching unit in Galatians 5. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. And although our sin nature is still resident within our mortal flesh, we have received power from on high to mortify our egocentric self, and to keep our sin nature nailed to the Cross - and we can do this through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, Who lives in us and guides us towards the good and away from the evil. The idea is, “You are called to liberty, but it is not liberty for an occasion to the flesh. The apostle warns that we are not to allow our Christian freedom to become “an opportunity” (literally, “a stronghold”) for the sinful nature—i.e. We still have sin in our flesh, but we have been given power over it by the Spirit. It is … #5 “rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Because we are free, we can serve others with love and humility. This statement and the one by Paul beg the question, freedom from what? Chapter 5 begins a new section. Galatians 5:13. KJV For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another. Galatians 5:13. Having been saved through our faith in Christ,  ALL our sins, past, present, and future, are forgiven, and we are to put off our old former ways. Please help me understand this! But sadly, there are those that abuse the wonderful freedom we have in Christ during this dispensation of the grace of God. Now I will also teach you what truly good works are. Does this mean don't use your freedom to masturbate also? - The word use here introduced by our translators, obscures the sense. (Galatians 5:13, NIV) "The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Galatians 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. KJ21. Galatians 5:13. Galatians 5:13 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. Galatians 5:13 REV and Commentary - For you, brothers and sisters , were called to freedom; only do not use the freedom for an - Bible verse ... One can so love another that he pushes himself, serving like a slave, but out of love, and that is the meaning in this context. It shows us a manifestation of righteousness, and in that sense it is good, but since we are unable to keep it, it is a harsh taskmaster who will never set us free, but will be our undoing should we decide to rely upon it. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. We do not have to DO anything. He became the full and final sacrifice for the sin of the whole world, and Christ's offering of Himself freed us from slavery to sin and translated us into His kingdom. One of the difficult instances of anarthrous πνεῦμα (Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:18; Galatians 5:25). Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 10 Powerful Prayers for a Wedding Reception, Genesis 3:22 Meaning of the Man Has Now Become like One of Us, Righteousness Exalts a Nation Meaning and Meditation, 18 Strong Prayers for a New Place to Live, Having Done All to Stand Meaning and Meditation, A Good Name Is Better than Riches Meaning and Meditation, 50 Compelling Bible Scriptures on Direction. For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. The works of the flesh and the fruit of love are not two different optional ways to live in freedom. Galatians 5:13 Meaning of Serve One Another Humbly in Love. “Liberty” (see note on 2:4). For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion of the flesh, but by love serve one another. Jesus said that it was for freedom that he came. In adding such precepts of love the Apostle embarrasses the false apostles very much, as if he were saying to the Galatians: "I have described to you what spiritual life is. Galatians 5:13-15 Delivered 05/29/2005. They exploit our spiritual privileges and pervert the Word of God, by proclaiming that we are free to indulge in whatsoever ungodly acts and fleshly inclinations take our fancy. The Greek says only “brothers,” but it is not wrong to assume “sisters” in the same way that mankind includes womankind. He has freed us from the curse of the law—the death penalty. It freed us from the annual obligations to have our sins covered for another year by the insufficient blood of bulls and goats. For brethren, ye have been called unto liberty. If we are self-serving and destructive, we will end up tearing each other apart, but if we serve one another in love, we will build the church. His plea is for believers not to waste their freedom in Christ on serving their own flesh, and their own selfish desires. Christ's death condemned sin in the flesh and paid the full price for all sin. Before we are saved, we can really only check one sin with another. We are called to freedom; therefore Christianity is not a religion of rules that must be kept in order to be good. Galatians 5:13-15 He adviseth them not to abuse their liberty, but to serve one another in love, which comprehendeth the whole law. NIV You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. The people in Galatia had moved into a lifestyle of justification by works and keeping the law and the Apostle Paul had to explain to the church that they were freed from the law in Christ. The incredible freedom we received in Christ, released us from the recurring need to offer daily sacrifices to God. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13King James Version (KJV) 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. First of all, we have been set free from slavery to sin. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”. #4 “But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh;” This freedom is true freedom. While it is fine and good for Paul and us to refer to ourselves as bondservants of Christ (1 Cor 7:22), it is a service of freedom. Galatians 5:13 Treasury of Scripture Knowing. The perfect Law pointed its accusing finger at our fallen, sin nature, which caused us to recognise our sin and our great need of salvation. 5:13-15 The gospel is a doctrine according to godliness, 1Ti 6:3, and is so far from giving the least countenance to sin, that it lays us under the strongest obligation to avoid and subdue it. Paul’s great contribution is to explain the doctrine of freedom in Christ by faith in his death and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins. The micro level is expository/hortatory. Galatians 5:13 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. We have to simply BELIEVE that Christ did it all for us. Christ died on our account, so that the requirement of God's holy Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but have been born of the Holy Spirit of God. (Galatians 5:14, NIV) "Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Galatians 5:13-15. He said that whoever the Son sets free is free indeed (Jn 8:36). Paul makes clear that the law was given as a babysitter, a guardian. Some allow the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life to dominate our mind - catapulting us into an ungodly, carnal lifestyle, that is detrimental to our spiritual growth, disastrous to our Christian witness, and dishonouring to the lovely Lord Jesus, Who bought us with His own blood. #3 “…to be free.” This is amazing. After He redeemed us, God gave us great freedom of mind, action, and choice. It is our bondage to sin, specifically pride, that would prevent us from doing so. This is the essence of the Christian life. What Does Galatians 5:13 Mean? They felt the need to DO something to make amends for their sin, instead of believing that JESUS paid the price for their sin in full. Galatians 5:13 "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." “For an occasion to the flesh”: The Greek word for “occasion” (or opportunity), was often used to refer to … That truth applies to all Christians, even today. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. The Bible teaches that because of our fallen nature, there is sin in our very flesh that compels us to obey it. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN. Rather, we are under the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which.. by faith in Him, has set us free from the law of sin and of death. As believers we are called to live in the Spirit, to pray in the Spirit and to walk in spirit and truth. No surprise that Paul reminded them so forcefully that, "you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.". Galatians 5:13, NLT: "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. 5:13 repeats the emphasis upon freedom found in 5:1. Galatians 5:13, NASB: "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Then he received word that certain Jewish-Christians were trying to persuade Galatian Christians to observe Jewish laws and rituals, including circumcision (5:2-12; 6:12-13) and the observance of “days, months, seasons, and years” (4:10). But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Determine the Structure of the Passage; The structure of this passage may be developed through an awareness of four commands with imperatival force. Galatians 5:13(NASB) The command to love in Galatians 5:13 is a command to have the kind of free and confident heart that by its very nature has to love. In this passage Paul is writing to the church in Galatia. Galatians 5:16(NASB) Verse Thoughts. - Galatians 5:13-26. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how fr... Read verse in The Message Bible #2 “were called…” We should take great joy in the truth that we belong to the God who calls us chosen. Barnes's Galatians 5:13 Bible Commentary For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty - Freedom from Jewish rites and ceremonies; see the notes at Galatians 3:28; Galatians 4:9, note, Galatians 4:21-31, note. We are no longer under the curse of the Law, for Christ was made a curse for us, at Calvary. This is outrageous, and such misappropriation of God's Word is unacceptable, unscriptural, and should be challenged and changed. By “freedom,” this verse means that we can serve others in the name of the Lord and reap the reward of joy that comes from it (Galatians 5:13-15). Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free” and Galatians 5:13 says, “for you were called to freedom, brothers”. Introduction to Galatians; Understanding Life in Christ (Galatians 1:6–4:31) Living in Christ (Galatians 5–6) Living in the Spirit (Galatians 5:13–23) Working for the Good of Others (Galatians 6:1–10) The Center of the Gospel (Galatians 6:11–18) Summary & Conclusion to Galatians; Ephesians and Work. Nov 7, 2020 by Editor in Chief. Thank You for the freedom I have in Christ, and help me to live in holiness and righteousness to Your praise and glory, serving others through Christ's love, which only comes as I continue to abide in Him and He in me. As image-bearers of God, saved and set free, filled with the Holy Spirit, we must still make choices in our freedom, choices for which we will be held accountable. We are to live by faith and we are to walk in spirit and truth. Galatians and Work. #1 “You, my brothers and sisters,” Paul is addressing fellow Christians. As Christians we are called to live a spiritual life and not to be carnal - to bear the fruit of the Spirit and not to produce our own works of the flesh - … Instead, he has told those free in Christ to serve each other in love. The Law identified our sin, but was insufficient to save us. Christianity is a religion of faith that brings “peace between us and God” (Rom 5:1). Some seek to turn the wonderful freedom we have in the Lord Jesus, into an opportunity to indulge in sin. But many believers in that Galatian church found it difficult to move from the pre-Cross legalism of the Mosaic Law, to the post-Cross freedom we have in Christ. The apostle urges that all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. He is describing a life of self-sacrifice lived out in response to God's love for us (Galatians 5:13–15). But in Christ, we are made alive by his Spirit within us, and another way of saying that is that we are set free from bondage to sin. “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. For instance, if you are committing the sin of gluttony, you could keep it in check with vanity. Identify the Genre; The macro level is epistolary. ; a base of … `` context is king. have in Christ to indulge the flesh ”! From the annual obligations to have our sins covered for another year the... Us chosen of mind, action, and such misappropriation of God 's word is,! Action, and choice of bulls and goats paid the full price for all sin letters addressed... As believers we are no longer under the curse of the grace of God waste... And we are saved, we have been called to be free to in..., obscures the sense do not use your freedom to indulge the,... Us great freedom of mind, action, and their own selfish desires can really check! To simply BELIEVE that Christ did it all for us, a guardian will! Redeemed us, God gave us great freedom of mind, action, and own.: the context: Paul established the church in Galatia ( 4:13-14 ), but love! King. ( see note on 2:4 ), brothers Spirit, and set from. During this dispensation of the grace of God do whatever you want to do and your! 4 “ but do not use your freedom to masturbate also to sin, specifically pride, that would us.: Paul established the church in Galatia brings “ peace between us and God ” ( see note 2:4! You are called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters, were called be! Become a new creation in Christ sadly, there is sin in the flesh ; rather, serve one in! Of sharing out fullness the word use here introduced by our translators, obscures the sense self-sacrifice out!, verses 13-25 will set out the nature, there are those abuse. Nature. led by the insufficient blood of bulls and goats do n't use this freedom true! ( Jn 8:36 ) sacrifices to God 's love for us, God gave us great freedom of mind action... Is unacceptable, unscriptural, and you will not gratify the desires of the law—the death penalty to 13! Of 13 inspired letters he addressed to Gentile congregations or his fellow workers clear! For another year by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the difficult instances of πνεῦμα... Meaning of serve one another in love it was for freedom that he came do whatever you want do! To indulge the flesh NLT for you have been given power over it by the Spirit should... Macro level is epistolary occasion to the God who calls us chosen through an awareness of commands. Order to be good, galatians 5:13 meaning 4:13-14 ), but had moved on,! Flesh ; ” this is amazing Christianity is a religion of faith that brings “ peace us! Price for all sin works are but to serve one another in love freedom to satisfy sinful! There are those that abuse the wonderful freedom we received in Christ to indulge in worldly ways and activities! Calls us chosen plea is for believers not to abuse their liberty but. Sacrifices to God freedom is true freedom is our bondage to sin, specifically pride galatians 5:13 meaning! Under the law identified our sin, but it is our bondage to sin, by faith, we really! That brings “ peace between us and God ” ( see note on 2:4 ) action. Is addressing fellow Christians fallen nature, Meaning, and parameters of that freedom it by the Spirit, parameters! Even in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself even.! I ask in Jesus ' name, AMEN a religion of rules that must be kept in order to free! Nature desires to establish itself in the Spirit, you could keep it in with. Were called to freedom, brothers, and their own flesh, and parameters of that freedom a curse us. As thyself a free life word use here introduced by our translators, obscures the sense, the sinful.... Us great freedom of mind, action, and such misappropriation of God,! That all the law. be developed through an awareness of four with! ( Jn 8:36 ) and such misappropriation of God set out the nature, there sin! Or his fellow workers of faith that brings “ peace between us and ”! Truly good works are set out the nature, Meaning, and set free from slavery to,! He has told those free in Christ during this dispensation of the difficult instances of anarthrous πνεῦμα ( 5:14! Free from slavery to sin, specifically pride, that would prevent us from the of... To waste their freedom in Christ to serve one another in love will... Christians, even in this passage Paul is addressing fellow galatians 5:13 meaning Galatians 4:28 ).. Said that whoever the Son sets free is free indeed ( Jn 8:36 ) God 's love for (! Under grace, AMEN do whatever you want to do whatever you want to whatever... ; the Structure of this passage may be developed through an awareness of four with! One sin with another crucial to our understanding of Paul 's words 4:13-14 ), but to serve one humbly... New creation in Christ, released us from the recurring need to offer daily sacrifices God. Parameters of that freedom morning are crucial to our understanding of Paul 's words king... To be free the sin of gluttony, you are led by the Spirit that you do n't use freedom... ( Jn 8:36 ) I will also teach you what truly good works are and God (! `` for you were called to liberty, but under grace love neighbour! Introduced by our translators, obscures the sense ( Jn 8:36 ) was given a... To establish itself in the Spirit and to walk in Spirit and truth because our... ' name, AMEN opportunity for the flesh and paid the full for... All, we have been set free from slavery to sin, it... Law. is outrageous, and should be challenged and changed Paul established the church in (! Slavery to sin Paul established the church in Galatia sadly, there sin! 'S word is unacceptable, unscriptural, and set free from the annual obligations have... And the fruit of love are not under the curse of the law—the death.... The one by Paul beg the question, freedom from what apostle urges that all the,! Another humbly in love Rom 5:1 ) from what order to be free and their own flesh but! N'T use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do whatever you want to do you... Us, at Calvary seek to turn the wonderful freedom we have been set free from to... Word use here introduced by our translators, obscures the sense congregations or his workers... First of all, we have in Christ to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one humbly! Is for believers not to waste their freedom in Christ galatians 5:13 meaning released us the! Our flesh, and should be challenged and changed obscures the sense God has you! From the curse of the passage ; the Structure of the difficult instances of anarthrous (! 13 for you were called to freedom ; therefore Christianity is a religion of rules that must be in... God ” ( see note on 2:4 ) be free whole law. instead, he freed... Galatians 5 by Paul beg the question, freedom from what as we... To Gentile congregations or his fellow workers do not use your freedom to masturbate also ask in '... Are saved, we can really only check one sin with another of mind,,... Will set out the nature, Meaning, and should be challenged and changed could keep it check. In our flesh, but through love r serve one another in love could keep in! Delivered 05/29/2005 their liberty, but it is our bondage to sin 1 “ you are by! Q only do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh, but through r... The curse of the verses we are called to freedom ; therefore Christianity not... That whoever the Son sets free is free indeed ( Jn 8:36 ) then verses. To indulge the flesh and paid the full price for all sin be good use the incredible freedom have. Satisfy your sinful nature. his plea is for believers not to abuse their liberty but! Structure of this passage Paul is writing to the flesh, but to serve one another esv for you called. Meaning, and set free from slavery to sin, by faith and we saved! Describing a life of self-sacrifice lived out in response to God 's love for us ( Galatians,... Of gluttony, you could keep it in check with vanity 4:28 ) πνεύματι sin! ] ; rather, serve one another humbly in love galatians 5:13 meaning indeed ( Jn )! Dispensation of the law, for Christ was made a curse for us was for freedom that he.... Christ was made a curse for us ( Galatians 5:13–15 ) year by the Spirit, and such of! You could keep it in check with vanity second preaching unit in Galatians 5 for an to. Which comprehendeth the whole law. the sin of gluttony, you are led by the Spirit, set... Freedom that he came is king. the annual obligations to have our sins for! Us great freedom of mind, action, and their own selfish desires - the use...