Galatians 5:1 (KJV) says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
Pastor Stephen Hecht noted the phrase, "stand fast," comes from the Greek word, "steko," which means to stand firm, to persist, persevere. If we're told to, "stand fast," it's obvious people and situations will try to move us away from persevering. Paul warns the Galatians against getting entangled or caught up in past sins, which would bring them into bondage.
Verse 13 exhorts the Galatians not to use their liberty to satisfy their fleshly desires, but rather by love to serve one another. We're to habitually order our manner of life so that it becomes a normal state to walk according to God's ways.
In verses 19-21, Paul contrasts this walk of love with a list of pursuits attributed to the flesh. All of these are contrary to walking in love. Verses 22-24 give the results of walking in the love of God.
How do we achieve this walk of love with the evidence of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance flowing through our lives? One major step is to not allow people, places, or things to hinder us in our love walk. We start by ordering our behavior by the Word of God. After awhile, it will seem unnatural to live any other way. If you're right-handed, it feels strange when you attempt using your left hand. Get comfortable walking in the sphere of God.
To get this full message, check out Zoe's Ministries' website. The series will continue next Sunday, at 10:00 A.M. You're always welcome at Zoe Christian Fellowship, 1111 Easton Rd., Warrington, PA.
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