The Pathway to Freedom: Galatians 5:7-9
“7) You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8) This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. 9) A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.” Galatians 5:7-9
The believers in the region of Galatia had started well. They were running strong in their faith until they were hindered from obeying the truth. What was the problem?
A little deception about self righteous based on the Law was like hanging a heavy yoke around their neck. (See Acts 15:10) They failed to heed the warning of Hebrews 12:1. They were trying to run encumbered by fleshly sin and compromise.
The human flesh does not have the ability to break the power of sin. They were exchanging dependency on the Holy Spirit for self effort. They were bogged down in their spiritual lives.
Paul recognized the seriousness of this situation. As this chapter unfolds he launches into a deep discussion on the importance of walking by the Spirit and not the flesh.
He followed the exact same line of reasoning in Romans 6-8. After talking about the power of sin to use the Law to lead people into bondage to sin in chapter seven, he launches into the power of the Holy Spirit in chapter eight. The flesh cannot please God.
In Galatians 5:9, Paul uses a profound illustration of sin. He says, “a little leaven leaves the whole lump of dough.” He used the same terminology in 1 Corinthians 5:6. Sin never remains passive. It spreads and multiplies quickly. It is also contagious and can quickly infect those around us.
The truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and dependency on the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit are the only way to defeat the heavy weight of sin. Legalistic religion based on self effort will fall short every time. Returning to it will weigh you down and eventually hinder your spiritual growth.
If you are stumbling in your Christian life, it is vital that you embrace truth and the power of the Holy Spirit. If walking by the Spirit is a new theme for you, I beg you to devour John 14-16, Galatians 5 and Romans 8.
You will never lay aside the weight of sin in your life apart from the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He is the One who applies the liberating truth of Jesus Christ in your life. This is your pathway to freedom.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
