“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but FAITH working through love. You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. …”

The one disturbing them is pushing legalism over faith in the truth concerning the work of Christ that sets us free indeed. This “faith” speaks of trust to believe in confident hope, and out of that faith, to take action in agreement with God, the Living Word, the Truth that sets free indeed.

“But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished. I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves. For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. …”

The faith we have does not remove from us the responsibility to obey the New Covenant Law. We still must obey God and follow Christ. But obedience does not save us; Christ alone does that. Obedience simply proves and protects our relationship with God through Christ. It shows us to be vitally united to God the Father through to saving grace found in Christ. Obedience proves us to be a people who walk in the leading of the Spirit rather than giving self to the dictates of the flesh, as the following verses indicate.

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will NOT inherit the kingdom of God. But THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now THOSE WHO BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS HAVE CRUCIFIED THE FLESH WITH ITS PASSIONS AND DESIRES. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” – Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭26‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

True freedom comes when we walk free from the dictates and death of sin that destroys relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son and Savior. Choose today whom you will serve: our flesh, false teaching, and demonic wisdom that leads to destruction; or God the Father through Jesus the Living Word in the power of the Spirit who brings the Word to life in us. If the fruit of obedience is not there, chances are great that the relationship with God we think we have is not real.

Today’s the day for salvation. The choice is ours.

Make me faithful, Father. Empower righteousness in me. Grant wise discernment to recognize and walk in the lead of Your Spirit for every path, temptation, decision, desire, hope, and plan. Help me succeed at loving You well. In Jesus, be Lord to me and know me. Amen.