Galatians 5:1-15
Freedom is an enigma. As we take this time to celebrate our Independence, remember that our civic freedom means paying taxes on money you earn and then on things you already own and also on things you want to give away. Are we free or are we slaves to our bank accounts by just living? What is true freedom? Paul tackles that in his climactic moment where he pushes his readers to a decision. All they’ve read thus far (Grace vs the Law, who our Audience should be, the MARY v MARTHA lifestyles) all comes to a head as Paul makes his next bold statement: step into Freedom in Christ and do not return to the yoke of slavery!
His imagery of a yoke does match the imagery Jesus used in Matthew 11, but the effect is decidedly different. A yoke is a device made usually of wood and metal that binds together two beasts of burden. The idea is that when bound together, they are stronger than one on their own. It is imagery of work, but in these Biblical examples, one is definitely pulling more weight than the other. Jesus’ yoke is like drafting behind a semi: makes it easier on your car. Less tiresome and costly. The Law’s yoke is bondage, which doesn’t help you, but instead makes it like you’re the semi towing a skyscraper. Freedom is choosing the right yoke.
A Yoke of Bondage
A few key observations: this warning applies to all people, not just men because circumcision is the example, not the only part of the Law Paul is referring to. Paul spends this section emphasizing this example because this is the direct issue that started the reason for this letter. The Judaizers want people to become Jewish before converting to Christianity, which to the men meant getting circumcised. I bet many of them thought they were just doing the right thing, but they were signing up for way more than they bargained for. You’d think a request for circumcision would make someone stop and think, but I guess not. The sad thing is how prevalent this is today as well. There are churches all over the place that invite you in, but once you get there, if you really want to be a part of things, you must join in their protest, or political rally, or fundraiser—or maybe even just get pressured into tithing right away. It happens in cults (Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses), but even in the Christian church! This happened in Germany in the 20s-30s. It happened in KS with Westboro in the 70s-80s. They trap you with niceties, coffee, and friendliness, then stick you with fine print that’s not on the sign. And suddenly, you’re stuck. It doesn’t have to be as serious as protesting a fallen soldier’s funeral, as legalism in the church can take many forms – from attire to word choice to songs sung to tithing to movies or cards to your presence at activities. Any time we put a thing or activity as a measurement of one’s faith we step into legalism. Those are all good things, but if we judge one’s walk with God based on data instead of relationship or spiritual fruit, we step into the legalism trap.
A Yoke of Punishment
That trap is most certainly where you don’t want to be. Legalism is cancer, which Paul confirms in v9. Once in there, it spreads all the way through. So, who brought it in? Paul wants to know who and gets rather violent in his word choice! It’s clear that he’s angry – just consider v12 – he is wishing for those who are pushing the Law to not just be circumcised but be fully emasculated! This isn’t a light passage, but it’s important to catch Paul’s heart here. Everything he’s said thus far; the vital importance of trusting in Christ’s grace takes the Apostle to a point of anger to see those who preach the Law to be eunich-ized! Some may see Paul as only being sarcastic here, but I’m not convinced of that. Paul is really this angry and the warning is really this intense. Don’t be the person or persons who bring in legalism to the church. Paul is fully confident that the Lord will judge and then punish.
A Yoke of Love
It would be much easier to be a legalistic church. Consider what Billy Beane and Moneyball did to baseball – take the relationship, gut reactions, and intuitiveness out of the sport and make it all about the data. Measuring our health by attendance and finances would be a breeze; measuring discipleship by avoidance of the movie theater and lack of playing cards would be a snap. If only Jesus measured us that way, it would have been simpler. But He didn’t judge us—He died for us. He paid the receipt without looking at the balance due. You ever done that? Paid without checking the receipt? Like it matters (we can’t not pay it), but we do still tend to check it. Jesus didn’t—and gave all. Living in the freedom of Christ isn’t simple, but better. Back to Matthew 11—when we yoke to Jesus, we are free because we are living off of His energy, His power, His purpose. We are free to draft with Him, because He does all the work!! Remember this isn’t freedom to sin (remember that the Spirit always agrees with Law), but freedom to live, to love, to serve. It’s not easier or simpler. It is better.
Next Steps
Yoke to Jesus and let love and service be what defines you instead of right-ness and dogma. Step away from the petitions and towards the soup kitchen.
- Share your discipleship journey with a pal and keep each other on Christ.
- Pray that God would weed out legalism in your heart, making it obvious.
- Volunteer for something in the community that connects you to others.
As a US citizen, we aren’t truly free. We are tied to responsibility and expectation from our local and federal leaders. The founding fathers did well, but only Christ’s freedom is true freedom.
Comments are closed