1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.(Galatians 5:1 NIV)
These are Paul’s provocative words. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” My question this morning is, “Free from what?” If you were to take a sample poll of the fashion and culture mavens at the local mall then you would gather dramatically different data than if you polled the local priests. If you left the cathedrals and made your way to city hall you would gather still different data. With pen and pad in hand approach the local activists or call your local chapter of the A.C.L.U. and your information would take another turn. Free from what? Just what are we free from? Has Christ come to set us free from government oppression, religious repression, and sexual apprehension? Has Jesus come so that we can throw away the boundaries and live life like we want? Has Christ come to set us free from the pornographer, the drug dealer, and the innocence stealer? Christ has come to set us free, but free from what? This is what I want us to talk about today as we study Galatians 5:1.