Stand fast thereforen in liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of slavery (bondage is the other word used in the study).
Paul speaks in his writing here – with sincere approach – and he is saying: you have become estranged from Christ, expecting to be cleared by the law but have fallen from grace.
He is so diligent to speak truth and write. He says: eagerly through the spirit we await for the hope of righteousness by faith. vs 13 says you have been called to liberty. Do not use it as an opportunity for the flesh but through love serve one another. He goes on to talk about the spirit and the flesh.
vs. 16 Walk in the spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. vs. 17 for the flesh lusts against the spirit – and the spirit against the flesh.
vs. 19 says the works of the flesh are evident; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries. Participating in these things, being consumed and practicing these things.. well, it says you can not inherit the kingdom of God.
vs. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Paul wants us to know that the point he is making here is super important!
He says those who have accepted Christ have also crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. vs.25 says that if we live in the spirit, let us walk in the spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.
Choosing Salvation and inheriting the Kingdom of God is work! I want to choose liberty. I would be brave enough to say that if you don’t choose Jesus and trust in His salvation you do choose death. He can restore you, and you can have forgiveness of sin – and He can rebuild you and restore you back to life. He came to bring us redemptive hope.
He offers refuge in times of trouble. God is a God of trust. Jesus paid it all by dying on the cross for us!