Liberty’s Brands – Liberated by Faith: A Study of Galatians – Part 15 – Dr. Charles Stanley
Liberty’s Brands – Liberated by Faith: A Study of Galatians – Part 15 – Dr. Charles Stanley
In this final message of our series on Galatians, Charles Stanley dives into Chapter 6, focusing on verses 17 and 18. Here, Paul declares:
“From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
Paul’s closing words encapsulate the essence of his message to the Galatians—a declaration of freedom and grace through Jesus Christ. Let’s revisit the key truths revealed throughout this epistle:
1. The Purpose of the Law
In Chapter 3, Paul explains that the law was never meant to secure salvation. Instead, it serves as a “schoolmaster” (Galatians 3:24), guiding us to recognize our total inadequacy and need for a Savior. The law reveals our inability to earn God’s favor, emphasizing that salvation is not achieved by human efforts but through faith in Christ.
2. Justification Through Faith
Paul reiterates in Galatians 2:16 that we are justified not by works but through faith in Jesus Christ. Justification is a divine act where God declares us righteous the moment we accept Christ as Savior. This grace is God’s unmerited gift, freeing us from guilt and sin.
3. Living the Christian Life Through Christ
In Galatians 2:20, Paul highlights that our ability to live a victorious Christian life is not dependent on our strength but on our union with Christ. He writes:
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
This crucifixion with Christ signifies dying to self and allowing His Spirit to empower our daily walk.
4. Freedom in Christ
Galatians 5:1 declares:
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
Paul urges believers to embrace the freedom Christ provides, leaving behind the bondage of legalism and self-reliance. True freedom comes from living in grace, not striving to earn God’s favor.
5. The Root of Human Striving: Pride
Paul acknowledges humanity’s struggle with pride—a desire to contribute to our salvation. This pride resists the simplicity of grace, making it difficult to accept that salvation is a free gift. Yet, God’s plan is clear: eternal life is not earned through works, prayers, or promises. It is humbling to bow before a holy God and admit our inability to contribute to our redemption.
A Humbling Reality
Accepting salvation as a gift challenges our pride more than following a checklist of tasks. If God required a list of accomplishments to earn salvation, we might eagerly attempt it. However, God’s grace leaves no room for human effort.
Closing Reflection
Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a timeless reminder of the gospel’s simplicity and power. As believers, we are called to rest in Christ’s finished work, live in His grace, and stand firm in the freedom He provides. Let us lay aside pride and embrace the liberating truth: salvation is a gift, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ.
Join us in reflecting on this message of grace and freedom, and may the peace of Christ fill your spirit.
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