2018.2.25 礼拝

2018.2.25 礼拝

2018.2.25 Galatians 5:1-15 “Accepting the Lordship of Christ”

Get an image of the Holy Spirit and our relationships with God on our knees to glorify him. We are always moved by our desires (physical or mental) and disturbed by our own sinful nature being distressed and unable to endure our own sins. We cannot reach the perfection of Christ no matter what efforts we make.

However, we can rely on Jesus who was sent to die for us and settle our sins once and for all. We are expected to choose what Christ expects us to be rather than being told what to do by others or relying on rules followed by penalties. God has absolute authority and power but does not rule with punishments. We cannot be and are not expected to be perfect to be a Christian.

➀ Tasting Christ’s “liberation” and “freedom.”
Galatians 5:1 It 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.
We are set free from being a slave of sin = death.

➁ Taking Christ’s “yoke.”
Galatians 5:1 It 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.
Freedom does not mean we are given the control over ourselves but to be in the control of God – in the freedom of love.

Matthew 11:29-30 29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOU SOULS. 30“For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Romans 6:22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.

➂ Using the freedom of Christ to obey Him
Galatians5:13-14 13For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”

1 Peter 2:16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.

We are not called to act religious and carry out religious rituals (although they are important), but to love God and love our brothers and sisters as children of God. Act as free men without relying on rules telling us not to do or eat this or that. This does not mean we are free just to satisfy our earthly desires.

We are expected to have close relationships with God and be obedient in response to God’s love. Yet, when we are disobedient, God will not stop loving us.