The Key to Liberty – Liberated by Faith: A Study of Galatians – Part 6 – Dr. Charles Stanley

In tonight’s message from God’s Word, we turn to Galatians Chapter 2, focusing on verses 18 through 21. Dr. Charles Stanley shares profound insights on these passages. In verse 18, Paul writes, “For if I build again the things I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.” He speaks to the transformative power of God’s law, explaining that he died to the law so that he might live for God. This theme continues with one of the most celebrated verses in Galatians: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Paul emphasizes that this life we now live in the flesh is through faith in Jesus, who loved us and gave Himself for us. The message is clear: if righteousness could be achieved through the law, then Christ’s sacrifice would be in vain.

Let’s also consider John 8:31-32, where Jesus teaches the importance of freedom through truth. He says, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” True freedom isn’t about following man-made rules or meeting self-imposed expectations; it’s about understanding the truth of God’s word. Often, we remain in bondage, struggling with self-made standards that God never intended, because we lack understanding. By continuing in God’s word, we come to know the truth that liberates us.

In John 8:36, Jesus further promises, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” This verse complements our study in Galatians 2, reminding us that as God’s children, we are liberated to fulfill His purpose for us. Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China, described this experience as the “exchanged life”—a life surrendered to Christ, allowing Him to work through us. Taylor found that surrendering his failures and limitations to God enabled him to accomplish what he could not on his own.

This exchange of life is the message of Galatians 2:20, which Paul describes as being “crucified with Christ.” Hudson Taylor’s journey teaches us that true freedom in Christ begins with releasing our attempts at control and embracing the truth of the cross. Through faith, we come to understand our acceptance in God’s eyes, freed from the chains of self-doubt and human expectations. God’s truth breaks the lies of the enemy, enabling us to live fully for Him.