Galatians 1:1. 1Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.
New Testament scholar, F.F. Bruce calls Paul “The Apostle of hearts set free.” Why, you ask? Partly, because Paul will talk about freedom in Christ more than every other New Testament author combined. And nowhere does Paul talk about freedom more than in his Epistle to the Galatians.
Paul’s letter to the Galatians is one of the first things written in the New Testament (only 1-2 Thessalonians are likely earlier). Written around 50 AD (only around 15 years after the crucifixion), it is definitely one of the first Christian expression of the fullness and freedom of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel that the Apostles had been spreading in Jerusalem and Judea for years pre-Paul’s conversion.
Now, because of the resurrected Christ, Paul is an Apostle too (more on this to come). Just as Jesus was set free from the grave, Paul has been set free from his grave of self-righteousness and pride.
In an age where everyone wants to be free, this is the freedom we truly need and desire. Our culture fantasizes about freedom through power, sex, leisure, and wealth. The fantasy of freedom drives our economy and our politics. But instead of bringing freedom, our world has brought us nothing but the bondage of addiction, anxiety, entitlement, complaining, and defensiveness (and that’s us in the church).
Paul the Apostle was set free from the fantasy of his own making. The fantasy that he could perform for God while ignoring God. But through Jesus Christ and God the Father Paul was brought into the freedom of the truth. The freedom of faith. Then, as an apostle, he was sent out (that’s what apostle means) to bring others into this same life of freedom. Paul was set free from creating his own identity and was given an identity in Christ – Apostle. Sent by God.
Paul could only know this freedom through Jesus Christ and God the Father. And we can know it too. We can’t create our own freedom, but we can receive it from God like Paul did.
Who’s ready to live free?
You: What fantasies of freedom are you still living in?
You in Christ: Why does our freedom in Christ rest upon his resurrection?
Christ in you: Where can you see Chris actively setting you free?
Pray: Father, because you raised Christ from the dead, I can be free from all the things that I think will free me, but actually enslave my heart. Help me to receive my freedom, rather than trying to achieve my freedom. Amen.
To Live is Christ 