Devotional of the week: True freedom (2 in Fruit of the Spirit series)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1–6

When we think of the fruit of the Spirit, often we will think of this list as found in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Many a sermon has been preached outlining the fruit, and no doubt, fruit has been borne from those sermons. But we benefit from reading the text within its context. That is, from seeing Paul’s letters for what they are – other people’s mail. What can we learn about the group of Christians he’s addressing? Why is Paul so passionate?

This idea isn’t original to me; it’s been a theme of biblical commentators throughout the centuries. But one modern author has opened my eyes to reading Paul’s letters especially with the recipient in mind: Conrad Gempf in his How to Like Paul Again (Authentic, 2013). I may have edited the book, but when I picked it back up recently I was struck again by how much we gain by gathering knowledge about the Galatians (and Corinthians, Philemon and so on). Knowing the biblical context – learning about the people receiving Paul’s mail – can save us from making poor applications to our lives.

The Galatians had fallen prey to some false teachers who came after Paul. They were trying to convince the new church that Paul wasn’t authoritative, and that to be true worshippers – bearers of fruit – men should undergo circumcision. No, says Paul. You’ve been set free from the law; what matters now is “faith expressing itself through love.”

As New Testament Christians, do we put ourselves under the law? We need to train ourselves in righteousness – through the practice of spiritual disciplines, for example – but we should also experience the freedom and joy that Christ brings. When we live by the Spirit, I’m guessing we’ll abide by the law anyway – but with a different motivator. What do you think?

Prayer: Father God, you loved us so much that you gave your only Son to die for us. Help us to live in your freedom and joy this day. Amen.