In this sermon, Pastor Luther Walker continues his study of the Book of Galatians, focusing on the theme of “standing fast in your liberty” as presented in Galatians 5:1. He begins by referencing his previous discussion on Paul encouraging the saints to imitate his example of service rather than seeking to be served, noting how Paul often refused financial support from churches like Corinth to avoid potential misuse or harm. Drawing from Galatians 4:12, he emphasizes Paul’s humility in becoming like the Galatians without any wrong done to him.
Walker then explores the allegory in Galatians 4:21-31 of Abraham’s two sons: Ishmael (born to Hagar, representing bondage under the law) and Isaac (born to Sarah, representing freedom through promise). He parallels this to modern Christians, explaining that those under law persecute those living in grace, just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac. He stresses that grace provides a higher standard than law, rooted in factual truth from Scripture rather than emotions. Using the analogy of flowing water, he illustrates how the Christian life adapts fluidly to circumstances without changing its essence, overcoming obstacles through persistence.
A key section addresses victory over the sin nature, described as the inner drive to do wrong despite good intentions. Referencing Romans 6, Walker outlines the doctrinal steps: knowing we died and rose with Christ, reckoning this truth as fact, and yielding to righteousness rather than law. He warns that relying on “thou shalt not” commands empowers the sin nature, while focusing on positive righteousness weakens it over time. Emotions may be involved, but truth must lead.
Transitioning to Galatians 5:1, he urges believers to stand fast in Christ’s liberty and avoid entanglement in bondage, interpreting “entangled” as holding grudges against those living freely, with examples from Mark 6:18-19 (Herodias’s grudge against John) and Luke 11:53 (Pharisees’ grudge against Jesus for exposing their removal of knowledge’s keys).
In Galatians 5:2-3, Walker explains that circumcision (symbolizing submission to Mosaic law) renders Christ profitless, as it obligates full obedience to the entire law (over 613 commands, covering civil, ceremonial, moral, and ritual aspects), not just the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20. He clarifies the Ten Commandments’ nuances, like prioritizing God above all without permitting other gods.
Those seeking justification by law become “estranged” from Christ (better translated as “rendered idle” or ineffective), falling from grace—not losing salvation, but failing to utilize grace’s benefits for maturity. He supports this with Romans 3:3 (unbelief doesn’t nullify God’s faithfulness) and Romans 6:6 (sin nature rendered idle in Christ). Righteousness is in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30), not works.
Walker warns against lawless error (2 Peter 3:17) and notes Christians have a higher standard: the law of the Spirit of life (Romans 8:2), freeing from sin and death. He clarifies Romans 6:23 (wages of the sin nature are death/separation) and Romans 7’s frustration of self-effort under law, emphasizing mind-based service to God (Romans 7:25). No condemnation exists in Christ (Romans 8:1, without added conditions).
The sermon concludes by affirming liberty in Christ isn’t license for sin—God disciplines His children (Romans 8:13)—but freedom to live righteously through grace, not fleshly effort.
