Liberated From Law
The sermon emphasizes the believer's liberation from the law and the call to live in the freedom and grace of Christ as a new creation.
Miles J. Stanford emphasizes that as Christians, our rule of life is not the law given to the Israelites but being 'in Christ... a new creature' (Galatians 6:15). We are called to walk as pilgrims and strangers on earth, a concept not taught by the law. The law is meant to deal with the lawless, while our dependence should be on the power of God under pure grace, not on the flesh. Therefore, we are urged to stand firm in the liberty Christ has given us and avoid being entangled again in the yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1).
Text
"In Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature" (Galatians 6:15).
"The law is not our 'rule of life' for the simple reason that it was the Israelite's. The Christian not being a Jew, the law is not for him. 'Holy, just and good' it is, but the Christian's rule of life is 'in Christ. . . a new creature' (Galatians 6:15). The believer's place and rule is to walk as a 'pilgrim and stranger' upon the earth. The law has nothing of this. Had it been fulfilled, it would have made earth morally a paradise; and will, when written upon Israel's heart in millennial days. But strangership on earth and a heavenly walk, it never taught." -F.W.G.
"The Christian is on larger, higher, firmer ground than that on which Israel after the flesh stood. The law is good if a man use it lawfully; and its lawful application is expressly not to form, guide, and govern the walk of the righteous, but to deal with the lawless and disobedient, ungodly and sinful, unholy and profane, and, in short, with whatever is contrary to sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:9,10)." -F.W.G.
"Any aspect of life or conduct which is undertaken in dependence on the energy and ability of the flesh is, to that extent, purely legal in character, whether it be the whole revealed will of God, the actual written commandments, or the exhortations of grace. Dependence on the arm of flesh is consistent with pure law; dependence on the power of God is demanded under pure grace." -L.S.C.
"Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty with which Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the role of the law in the life of a Christian
- The distinction between the law and grace
- The concept of being a new creature in Christ
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II
- The implications of being liberated from the law
- Living as a pilgrim and stranger on earth
- The Christian's higher ground compared to Israel
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III
- The lawful use of the law
- Dealing with lawlessness and disobedience
- The importance of dependence on God's power
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IV
- The call to stand fast in liberty
- Avoiding entanglement with the yoke of bondage
- Embracing the freedom found in Christ
Key Quotes
“In Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” — Miles J. Stanford
“Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty with which Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” — Miles J. Stanford
“Any aspect of life or conduct which is undertaken in dependence on the energy and ability of the flesh is, to that extent, purely legal in character.” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- Embrace your identity as a new creature in Christ and live out that transformation daily.
- Recognize the importance of relying on God's power rather than your own strength in all aspects of life.
- Stand firm in the freedom you have in Christ and avoid returning to legalistic practices.