How should believers use their Christian liberty according to Galatians 5:13?
Believers are not to use their Christian liberty or freedom as an occasion to the flesh. Instead, Galatians 5:13 commands them to serve one another by love, literally becoming bond slaves for one another. Paul addressed this to believers in various congregations, applying it among themselves as servants through love.
Les explains that Christian liberty means believers are not mandated in matters such as how much they give; one may give 30, 40, or 50 percent, while another may give considerably less, and no one is mandated. But that liberty must not become an occasion to the flesh, as if salvation permits doing whatever one wants. He says most true believers know better, while a pseudo salvation may take that approach. Returning to Galatians 5:13, Les reads it as: do not use liberty or freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve—literally be a bond slave for—one another. Paul wrote to Galatian believers in various congregations, so this service applies especially among believers with believers; they were to be like servants through love one to another. Les also links this to Biblical agape love, referencing Jesus' question to 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'.