Does justification by faith lead to careless living?
That accusation has followed the gospel from Paul’s day until now. In this sermon on Galatians 5:13–18, we see Paul’s answer: the doctrine of justification by faith is actually the strongest possible foundation for true godliness.
Christian freedom is not freedom to sin. It is freedom from sin’s dominion so that we may now serve one another in love.
Paul shows that the Christian life is governed by two great realities:
- freedom
- the Holy Spirit
Those justified by faith have received the Spirit through the hearing of faith, and therefore the path of holiness is not found in legal striving, but in walking by the Spirit.
This sermon explores:
- how Christian liberty fulfills the law through love
- why true freedom leads to joyful service
- the conflict between flesh and Spirit
- why legalism cannot produce holiness
- how the Spirit empowers real godliness
If you want victory over sin, Paul’s answer is clear: walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.