“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 (NIV2011)
and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 (NIV2011)
The
following four profiles are adapted from Tim Keller’s study on Galatians.
Which profile most approximates you?
Which of the four persons described is truly free?
In what way do you most need the Gospel to set you free from (whatever
form of) bondage, so that you are free for the life to which you have been
called in Christ?
1.
Know
what’s right and rely on doing
what’s right in God’s eyes.
Downsides:
On the outside are sure they are right with God
On the inside are insecure because it’s not possible to know
how good good-enough is.
Pride or discouragement
Debilitating to think that God is disappointed with you
Sensitive (touchy) to criticism
May be deeply upset when prayers are not answered
On the inside are insecure because it’s not possible to know
how good good-enough is.
Pride or discouragement
Debilitating to think that God is disappointed with you
Sensitive (touchy) to criticism
May be deeply upset when prayers are not answered
2.
Know
what’s right, rely on doing what’s right, but know they fail
Upsides
More humble than (above)
More tolerant of others than “Pharisees” (above)”
More tolerant of others than “Pharisees” (above)”
Downsides:
Guilt ridden. I think I should measure up but I don’t
Moody because it’s an emotional roller coaster
Insecurity with God (“he love me, he loves me not”)
Moody because it’s an emotional roller coaster
Insecurity with God (“he love me, he loves me not”)
3.
“Right”
is relative, it’s not about Gods’ standards. I’m past that.
Traits
Little or no concept of God’s standards
Often intellectual and see things in relative terms
Have own standards and feel I am meeting them
Often happier than above two groups
Yet there is often an underlying self-righteousness.
A sense in which I am earning my own “salvation”
Often feel inwardly superior to religious people
Often intellectual and see things in relative terms
Have own standards and feel I am meeting them
Often happier than above two groups
Yet there is often an underlying self-righteousness.
A sense in which I am earning my own “salvation”
Often feel inwardly superior to religious people
4.
I
know what’s right and fail at it, but I don’t
rely on my ability to do
right. I know the Gospel and it is relevant to my life.
right. I know the Gospel and it is relevant to my life.
Upsides They
experience the freedom of the Gospel
They seek to obey God out of freedom and trust
More tolerant than #3
More sympathetic than #2
More confident than #1
Typically happy, generous and they care about you
They seek to obey God out of freedom and trust
More tolerant than #3
More sympathetic than #2
More confident than #1
Typically happy, generous and they care about you
*For
ongoing biblical encouragement follow Pastor Jeff on twitter @jefflampl
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