Galatians 5:1b (ESV)

Bible Commentary

Galatians 5:1 is an important Bible verse that provides the key to living in the freedom of Christ. The entire verse reads like this: For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

To fully understand the freedom of Christ, we must determine what we are currently submitted to, or enslaved to.

Do you ever wonder what your purpose is? Do you ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels and not really getting anywhere? Sometimes, we just feel trapped. Maybe it’s financially, physically, relationally or even professionally.

Before we get to the heart of this lesson, I pray for you Ephesians 1:17-18,

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, ¹⁸ having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you,

Jesus Christ gave His life so that we could be free. He loved us that much. Ephesians 1:5 says, In love ⁵ he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will

When we live short of our calling and purpose, we not only hurt ourselves, but those we love. The devil has been effective in setting traps, yes, but we also have a responsibility to discover the truth and enter into the freedom Christ won for us. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. It’s up to us to seek and follow the truth.

What’s Your Trap?

So again, if we feel trapped we must ask ourselves, “What am I submitted to or enslaved to?” or “Where am I living short of the freedom Christ gave me?”

Let’s look at the example of Esau.

Hebrews 12:16

that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.

Genesis 25:34

Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

1 Corinthians 6:19

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, ²⁰ for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Have You Sold Your Birthright?

I believe it’s a matter of the heart. Esau was so hungry when he came in from hunting that he traded his birthright for a meal. His actions revealed the things he treasured in his heart. He valued a temporary physical satisfaction more than his birthright that would bring a lifetime of blessings for him and his family.

“Inheritance” is defined by Webster’s like this: 1) the act of inheriting property  2) the reception of genetic qualities by transmission from parent to offspring  3) the acquisition of a possession, condition, or trait from past generations.

Our inheritance in Jesus Christ includes tangible and intangible, as the definition states above: property, genetic qualities, possessions, traits. These are available to us right now. Are our hearts so full of worldly things that we can’t receive our heavenly inheritance?

Jesus Christ paved the way through the wrath and punishment of God because of our sin, to the riches of heaven where He has prepared a place for us. (John 14:2-3)

In that inheritance, the place He prepared for us is everything we need: physical health, mental health, healthy relationships, financial health. So, how do we start living in our inheritance? We must discover the truth in our heart.

Have we sold our birthright for a single meal? In other words, are we trusting someone or something else for our health? What are we surrendered to? What do we value in our heart?

Please seek God for the truth. He will show you the way and set you free. When our hearts are set free from the entanglements, He heals us and makes room in our hearts so we can receive the things of righteousness–our inheritance in Him.

John 8:32

and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free

Galatians 5:1b

stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Lord God, please forgive our ignorance, pride and selfish ambitions to “do it ourselves.” Whether it’s our physical or mental health, our finances, work or relationships, we submit it all to You. We lay them down and choose to receive the inheritance You suffered and died to give us. Reveal the truth so we can surrender and repent of the things in our hearts so we can receive more of You, Lord. You are our inheritance and the only thing worth having. In Jesus’ Name we pray, amen.