Running Free
June 4, 2017
Galatians 5:7-12
Unhindered Runner (v 7-8)
“You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?”
“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
(Hebrews 12:1-2)
Legalism is a Lie
What “lies” have side tracked your run?
Unleavened Bread (v 9-10)
“A little leaven leavens the whole lump”
“Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, the Passover Lamb has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
(1 Corinthians 5:6-8)
Legalism is like Leaven
What “leaven” has permeated your life and puffed you up?
Uncompromising Message (v 11-12)
“If I still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.”
“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. . .”
(Matthew 5:29)
“Circumcision, the surgical ritual that marks you as a Jew, is great if you live in accord with God’s law. But if you don’t, it’s worse than not being circumcised. The reverse is also true. The uncircumcised who keep God’s ways are as good as the circumcised, in fact, better. Better to keep God’s law uncircumcised than break it circumcised. Don’t you see? It not the cut of a knife that makes you a Jew. You become a Jew by who you are. It’s the mark of God on your heart, not of a knife on your skin, that makes a Jew. And recognition from God, not legalistic critics.” (Romans 2:25-29)-Msg
Legalism is Law
What “laws” have tempted you to compromise the gospel of truth?