THE GOSPEL SETS US FREE

When we live in a world where our performance defines our success, it’s easy to believe that working harder earns greater rewards. While there’s nothing wrong with hard work, it can become dangerous when we start believing that our efforts can earn our way to heaven. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul warns that heaven cannot be achieved through our efforts or rule-keeping. True freedom can only come through Christ who frees us from the need to perform and invites us to trust in His finished work!

FREEDOM FROM PERFORMANCE

Many assume eternal life must also be earned because it’s so often taught and modelled by the world we live in. But Paul reminds us that while the law reveals what is right and wrong, it cannot save us (Galatians 3:23-24). Despite knowing the truth, the Galatians were slipping back into the old system that once enslaved them. Paul reminds us that nothing outside of Christ can save or sustain us. Real freedom is found only in trusting what Jesus has already done, not in trying to earn God’s approval through our own performance.

FREEDOM FROM FALSE TEACHERS

Despite their relationship with Paul, the Galatians resisted correction after being deceived by false teachers. We may judge the Galatians for how quickly they fell to deception, but the truth these false teachers persist even today through social media or popular ideologies that distort the gospel. Scripture warns that false teachers will arise even within the church (Acts 20:29 – 30, 2 Peter 2:1), and their motives will most often be selfish. Therefore, we must stay alert and test all teachings. Any message that denies Jesus Christ is God is false (1 John 4:1–3).

FREEDOM TO PARTAKE IN PROMISES

Through the gospel, God has given us the freedom to inherit His promises (Galatians 4:7). But if we choose to insist on our good works, then we lose sight of the gospel’s power and truth in our lives. Paul uses the story of Sarah and Hagar to illustrate this, pointing out that Isaac was born through God’s promise, while Ishmael was born through human effort (Galatians 4:28–30). One received the inheritance, and the other was sent away. When our firm foundation in faith stands on Christ alone, then we experience the genuine freedom of God’s promises as His children (Galatians 5:1).