Title: What does freedom in Christ mean to you?

Freedom, Flesh and the Spirit

Let us walk through Galatians chapter 5 from verse 1 to 26 carefully and thoughtfully.

Freedom Is the Foundation. Galatians 5 verse 1.

Paul begins by saying it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. That statement alone tells us that salvation was not meant to place us under another form of bondage. Christ did not rescue us from sin so that we would now live under fear, pressure and constant anxiety about earning God’s approval. The yoke Paul speaks about represents religious slavery, especially the idea that believers must keep certain laws to be accepted by God. Paul urges them to stand firm because freedom must be guarded. If believers are not careful, they can slowly drift back into performance based religion. True Christian freedom is not rebellion against God. It is freedom from trying to earn what Jesus already accomplished.

Grace Versus Law. Galatians 5 verses 2 to 6.

Paul makes it clear that if someone depends on religious rituals for justification, then they are choosing law over grace. In the context of the Galatians, circumcision was being pushed as necessary for salvation. Paul explains that if you choose to be justified by the law, you must keep all of it perfectly. That is an impossible standard. The heart of the gospel is not outward rituals but inward faith. He concludes that what truly counts is faith expressing itself through love. This means love becomes the visible evidence of genuine faith. Good works are important, but they are the fruit of salvation, not the foundation of it.

Guarding Against Spiritual Distraction. Galatians 5 verses 7 to 12.

Paul compares the Christian life to a race. He tells them they were running well, but something hindered them. False teaching can interrupt spiritual progress. It often sounds convincing and reasonable, yet it shifts people away from truth. Paul uses the illustration that a little leaven affects the whole dough. Small errors in doctrine can grow and influence an entire community. Compromise rarely begins loudly. It starts subtly. Believers must therefore guard the truth carefully because what shapes the mind will eventually shape behavior.

Freedom Is Not License. Galatians 5 verses 13 to 15.

After speaking strongly about freedom, Paul balances it. Christian freedom is not permission to indulge sinful desires. Freedom is a call to serve one another in love. When people use freedom selfishly, relationships break down into conflict and division. But love fulfills the law because genuine love does not harm others. Rules try to control behavior from the outside. Love transforms behavior from the inside. When the Spirit governs a believer’s heart, service replaces selfishness.

The Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit. Galatians 5 verses 16 to 18.

Paul now explains the internal struggle that every believer experiences. The flesh represents the sinful human nature that resists God. The Spirit represents God’s presence and power within the believer. These two are in opposition. Walking by the Spirit means living in daily dependence on God. It means choosing obedience when temptation arises. The Christian life is not the absence of struggle. It is the presence of divine help in that struggle. Victory does not come from willpower alone but from surrender to the Spirit’s leading.

The Works of the Flesh. Galatians 5 verses 19 to 21.

Paul lists behaviors that flow from a life controlled by the flesh. These include sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, hatred, jealousy, selfish ambition, fits of rage, envy, drunkenness and similar actions. He calls them works because they are produced by human nature apart from God’s influence. These behaviors damage individuals and communities. Drunkenness is included because anything that takes control of the mind and weakens spiritual sensitivity can lead to destruction. Paul warns that a lifestyle consistently defined by these patterns reveals a heart that is not aligned with God’s kingdom. The goal of this warning is not condemnation but honest self examination. What habits are shaping our character and who is in control of our lives?

The Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5 verses 22 and 23.

In contrast to the works of the flesh, Paul presents the fruit of the Spirit. Notice he says fruit and not fruits. It is one nature expressed in different qualities. The fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Fruit grows naturally from a healthy root. It cannot be forced. These qualities develop as believers remain connected to God and submit to His Spirit. When the Spirit leads a life, transformation becomes visible in character and relationships.

Crucifying the Flesh. Galatians 5 verse 24.

Paul says those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. This language is strong. Crucifixion represents a decisive break from the old life. It does not mean believers never struggle again. It means they no longer allow sinful desires to rule. It is a daily choice to deny selfish impulses and submit to Christ’s authority. Following Jesus requires surrender.

Keeping in Step with the Spirit. Galatians 5 verses 25 and 26.

Since believers receive life from the Spirit, they must also walk in alignment with Him. Keeping in step suggests attentiveness and obedience. Spiritual growth requires sensitivity to God’s guidance in everyday decisions. Paul ends with a warning against pride, provocation and envy. These attitudes destroy unity within the community of believers. A Spirit led life is marked by humility, peace and mutual respect rather than competition.

As we reflect on this chapter, the central message becomes clear. Christ has given us freedom. That freedom is not for selfish living but for Spirit led transformation. The question each believer must ask is simple. Is my life producing the works of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit? The answer to that question reveals who is truly in control.

By James Ebunoluwa Olanrewaju orewaju95@gmail.com. share your thoughts with him on the email above.