Freedom in Christ

Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love.

When Paul talked about freedom here, he wasn't referring to what we often think of as freedom. The sociocultural view of freedom implies that people have the ability to do as they please without consequence. Freedom in college is what makes college..well, college. A lot of people see college as the opportunity to sleep all day, party all night, and enjoy life. Mommy and Daddy aren't around to say otherwise so why not? Is that the type of freedom that Paul talked about?

Paul was referring to freedom from sin. We have the ability to live life knowing full well that sin no longer reigns in our life but that Jesus Christ lives in us. We are free from death and the consequence of sin, eternal condemnation and separation from God. Many times, we interpret this freedom as wordly freedom. Since I can continually repent and God forgives, I can do whatever I want! So what if I lie, drink, or steal? It's all good, right? Not really. Clearly, Paul states that we are to no longer indulge in our sinful nature. By indulging in our sinful nature, we are essentially telling God that we enjoy sin more than his presence.