Galatians 5:1
“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”
This verse sums up the point Paul wanted to get across to this church. This reminds me of John 8:10,11, 'Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.' The point is, you've been freed from the impossible. Stay free. A further inference is you've been freed, go to the Lord and do life right.
God made us to live a life in fellowship with Him. The closer we stay to Him the freer we are. As we drift from Him and His ways, the more trouble we have. The Galatians were enslaved to false teaching. Bad teachers came when Paul left and convinced them they had to keep the Law in conjunction with faith in Christ. Sure we need to follow the moral code, but not for the purpose of being right with God.
Jesus came, lived the perfect life and died for the sins of the world. If we enter into a saving relationship with Him, the requirements have been met. We don't need to keep the law to be right with Him. That's been taken care of.
Life is now a restoration of the Garden of Eden in which we are to work, love others and love God. As we go through our days we will experience challenges. The Lord wants to help us with those. The bible is full of advise on relationships, work habits and so on. As we trust Him, we get through those difficulties and as a reward, He gives us the favor and respect of others.
Paul is trying to bring them back to this simple, wonderful state. They had gone back too many steps to before salvation. He corrects them and tries to get them walking right again.
I referenced the John passage earlier that had the woman caught in adultery. Sin is another way we can get off track. There are many temptations and snares out there. Hebrews 12:1 puts it this way, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." We need to put those things aside.
Life in and with the Lord is the best life. He created us to walk in fellowship with Him. Just as a new car has the latest features with it's ergonomic design and the electronics which make a drive very pleasant, so life in God is perfect. He is the creator. He knows us best. Thus His way brings the most peace, joy and efficiency. Matthew 11:28-30 says it perfectly, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Lord, thank You this wonderful life. You have set us free. Help to stay in that freedom.