What does Galatians 5:13 tell believers to do instead of using their liberty for the flesh?
Galatians 5:13 instructs believers not to use their liberty or freedom as an occasion for the flesh, but instead by love to serve one another, literally becoming bond slaves to one another. Paul applies this to believers serving fellow believers within their congregations.
Les teaches that Christian liberty is a grace-based freedom, illustrated by the fact that no one is mandated how much they give; some may give 30, 40, or 50 percent, while others give considerably less. He warns that this liberty must not become an occasion to the flesh, as if being saved means doing whatever one wants. True believers know better, while those with only a pseudo salvation or emotional experience might take that approach. Returning to Galatians 5:13, Les quotes: use not liberty or our freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve, or be literally a bond slave for one another. He notes Paul writes to Galatian believers in various congregations, so the instruction is primarily for believers among themselves, believers with believers, to be like servants through love one to another. He also references his definition of biblical love, or agape love, from John's Gospel where Jesus asked Peter, Peter, lovest thou me.
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
More Questions
What does liberty mean in Galatians 5:13?
The word liberty in Galatians 5:13 means freedom; a literal Greek translation uses 'freedom' while the King James Version uses 'liberty'.