For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. — Galatians 5:1

CALL OUT: Today's callout goes to Jay Riggleman from Williamson, NY, and his group, which is using our study 7 Challenges Men Encounter on RightNow Media. Thank you so much.

Do you see what Paul is doing here?

Paul is persuading the Galatians that it's time to resist.

This text is both a charge and a command. Paul wants believers to anchor themselves in a truth that can only be realized if they refuse to return. They must resist. If they don't, they will be drawn in and dragged down, yoked like slaves to their former ways. What an image!

You see, the war a believer fights is fought in our hearts and minds for the soul. Each day, believers go to war empowered with the Holy Spirit—the very power of our risen Savior. As we go to war, we must remember we are not fighting for freedom. Freedom has been won by Jesus. We are also not fighting against people. We are fighting against the temptation within us to submit to any of our former ways. Our former ways are so devious and insidious that the temptation to return is strong. But we must resist. If we don't, it's like walking up to the yoke and willingly putting our neck back in it. That would be preposterous!

Today resist. Resist the old temptations. Resist the old thoughts. Resist the old language. Resist the return. Plant your feet and spiritual identity firm in the freedom already won for you. That is good news!

#FreedomInChrist #StandFirm #ResistTemptation #AnchoredInTruth #VictoryInJesus

ASK THIS:

1. How can you actively resist the temptation to return to your former ways and instead embrace the freedom that Christ has won for you?
2. What practical steps can you take today to anchor yourself firmly in the truth of Christ and avoid being yoked again to the slavery of sin?

DO THIS: Resist all your old yokes.

PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the strength to resist the allure of past temptations and to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has secured for me. Help me to anchor myself in Your truth and walk boldly in the victory You have provided. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Who You Say I Am.