This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. Galatians 2:4
It seems strange but there are some in our churches who want to “make us slaves.” What is it about the freedom we have in Christ that’s so overwhelming that they feel the need to put restrictions on us?
First, freedom in Christ means we cannot measure our spirituality by observable means. We cannot assume spiritual maturity based on our age, on our Bible knowledge, or on what we do or don’t do. There is an interesting line towards the end of the movie, Chocolat, where the young Catholic priest says: “We can’t go around measuring our goodness by what we don’t do, by what we deny ourselves, what we resist and who we exclude.”
This young priest was right. Spirituality cannot be measured by our actions, if it’s measured at all it’s measured by our ability to love. Paul wrote to Timothy, “The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love” (1 Timothy 1:5 NLT).
Second, freedom in Christ means we cannot gain righteousness through observing certain laws and abiding by rules and regulations. If we could, then Christ died for nothing as we read, “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” (verse 21). If God could have spared Jesus the pain and suffering of the cross he would’ve, but there was no other way for us to be saved.
We must guard against those who would seek to take away our freedom in Christ by insisting we observe certain laws or practices rather than by being led by the Spirit.
