If a Christian is free from the law and legalism, does this mean that they can do what the please?
A look at the text (Galatians 5:13-18)
Christians have been rescued from slavery to freedom but we need to understand what this freedom is about and make sure that we do not abuse or exploit it for our own gain. This is described by Paul as “to indulge the flesh”, in other words to prioritise the gratification of our own sinful human nature. This is something that we are meant to have left behind (v13).
We are helped in this by understanding that the Law itself was really about something good, it was about Love. So, just as Jesus argued, the Law can be summed up as “Love your neighbour (v14).” We still have an obligation to do this. Causing one another harm, biting and devouring, or hurting through harsh words and through exclusion is the opposite of love. Ironically, this means that those siding with the agitators in shaming others and causing division are in fact breaking not keeping God’s Law (v15).
Paul often tends to distinguish “the flesh” from “The Spirit”. In other words, we can either submit to our own sinful desires and habits or we can allow the Holy Spirit to fill and control us. We are to walk or live our lives in line with the Holy Spirit, allowing him to change shape and direct us (v16-17). Flesh and Spirit are contrasted but so too are Spirit and Law. If I’m living under the Spirit’s rule then I’m not obligated or condemned by the Law (v18).
Digging Deeper
Paul is opposed to legalism. This is fairly obvious from his teaching so far but his solution is not licence, the idea we can do what we please. He sees this as just as dangerous as Law because it is another way of being enslaved. I can either be a slave, legalistically to commands and with them the approval or condemnation of others or to my desires and habits. Christians are called to freedom from both law and flesh, from legalism and licence and instead are adopted into God’s family as sons and daughters of the King. This means that we are now under the rule and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are free to be filled and led by him.
A Look at ourselves
We often fall into one of two traps, either imposing harsh rules or saying that grace means that we should never challenge or correct. Paul offers a better alternative here by encouraging life in the Spirit. How do we speak to others, counsel, advise or challenge? In other words, how are they pastored? Do we avoid saying anything at all for fear of being harsh or legalistic? The better option, is that we encourage people to think about what it means for the Holy spirit to change them and how they act in a loving way to others.
Faithroots 