Galatians 5:1 – Verse of the Day 9/22/13

In the Jewish literature of the first century, the law was sometimes described as a “yoke,” emphasizing its limiting character.  Paul’s point was not to disregard the law, but rather to view it properly.  On the one hand, the law is easily summarized in the commands to love God and neighbor, and a life characterized by such love is not only not burdensome, but the only truly free life (5:13-15).  On the other hand, the purpose of the law is not to bring salvation, but rather to convict of sin and to offer a guide to truly free living according to the Spirit (3:23-24; 5:13-26).

God has set us free from the law’s condemnation in order to set us free for the law’s guidance.  Spend some time in prayer thanking God that he has forgiven us for breaking His holy and perfect Law.  What a gift that Jesus fulfilled the Law for us in order that we might be saved!  Thank God also for the gift of His Law a guide to true life, and pray that He would give you the strength and desire to live freely according to it!