How to Live Life Empowered by Love, Liberty, and Joy ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

Throughout the book of Galatians, we have been reading about the liberty we have been given in Jesus Christ. We are no longer chained to our fleshly desires. He paid the price for our sins so that we are no longer guilty before a righteous, Holy God. No condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus as Romans 8:1 declares. Cloaked in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, we are proclaimed as joint heirs of His kingdom. Should that alone not evoke a sense of Love, Liberty, and Joy. Yet so often we march on trapped in guilt, shame, and struggles. Trying to do whatever it takes to march forward. Why is that? Do we fail to truly grasp the magnificence of what we have been given? Is it a lack of faith? What must we do to live life empowered.

If you recall last week, we discussed Ishmael as the son of the flesh through the slave woman. And we contrasted that with Isaac, the son of promise through Sarah. God also via His grace told Hagar that her son would also become the head of a great nation. What I did not realize and found as an interesting point. The nation founded by Ishmael, was in the Wilderness of Paran. Mount Sinai, where the law was given, is in the Wilderness of Paran. The wife of Ishmael was Egyptian. Note again the text:

But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, which things are symbolic.For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar—for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. Galatians 4:23-26 NKJV

How amazing is God with every detail being significant. He truly is the Master Weaver. No Mistakes.

Stand Fast in Liberty: Live Life Empowered

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt tobe justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. Galatians 5:1-6 NKJV

As we reviewed last week. Paul is not saying one loses his or her salvation. However, as I too experienced, one loses that joy of their salvation if they believe work is necessary. So, if we believe works is necessary for salvation; then, we become enslaved again to the law’s power to enslave. Both emotionally and spiritually one places the chains once more, not allowing the Holy Spirit to be the power source. Like placing a gasoline generator and disconnecting the electric power in the meantime. A lot more work and less effective, only powering parts but not all. So, circumcision or no circumcision is not what matters. It is the heart of why and the power which you are relying on. Yours or His.

Why is False Doctrine so dangerous?

You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is. Galations 5:7-10 NKJV

Then as now, allowing the tweaking of the truth, cripples one’s ability to live life empowered. A little switch here or there, what harm is it. Well, a small pinch of yeast leavens all the bread. Sin once allowed or just a little change in doctrine from the truth can lead to disastrous consequences.

Why Did Paul Ask Timothy to be circumcised, but not Titus?

Did you realize that in Acts 16: 3 Paul had suggested to Timothy to be circumcised. This after the Jerusalem council in which it was determined not necessary, and Titus was not asked to be circumcised? Well Timothy had a Jewish mother and a Greek Father. Paul knew that it would be very difficult for Timothy to teach in the synagogue without being circumcised. So, for the ease of ministry, Timothy was circumcised. Not to “finalize his salvation”. But to not cause offense to those Jews he was trying to witness to. Perhaps not to offend his brothers.

Did that confuse the situation or cause more confusion. I do not know. Think about it yourself. It was like Paul doing the Nazarene vow to be accepted in the synagogue, when it was not necessary. Or is it like me, wearing a dress with my friend that would be offended if I wore slacks? Paul did not confound circumcision the same as being circumcised because you believed you had to for your salvation. Well, either way, I certainly cannot be one to throw any stones at anyone. But it may help explain the next verses.

And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased. I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off! Galatians 5:11-12 NKJV

Live Life Empowered by Love, Liberty, and Joy

Now that I have completely confused everything surrounding that issue, let’s get back on track. Study the word and come to some conclusions concerning all that. What do you think when comparing it with scripture?

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not useliberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, evenin this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! Galatians 5:13-15

Is this not what Jesus said?

But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:34-40 NKJV

Sounds Great, but how Paul. Jesus please, how do I do that when they drive me out of my mind sometimes? I keep trying and failing. Oh, did you hear that? “I”. Of course, I will fail.

So, to live life empowered, I need to get out of the way?

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18 NKJV

Do not have to step out of my room for great examples of this. Flesh says, “Rest, you deserve it. Just stay quiet. No one will notice.” Spirit says, “Go downstairs and make certain Carolina has everything she needs.” Flesh says, “Just stay home, no one will miss you at church today.” Spirit says, “Get yourself ready to worship the Lord in His house of worship.” Flesh says, “It won’t hurt if you miss reading His word today. You need to rest.” Spirit says, “His word is a lamp unto your feet, don’t start the day without it. You might stub your toes.”

Get the drift. There is usually a war going on and we must choose who we feed. The one who gets the most nutrients wins.

When we do not live life empowered

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV

Let’s see how many on this list might hit me any given day? Outbursts of wrath? Well, if I stay hidden and no sees does that count? Contentions? How bad? Jealousy, maybe for a moment, so does that count? Selfish ambitions? What if I make it really look like generosity. Ok, not good. But those who practice them not inheriting the kingdom are those who never recognize or fall under the repentance. Ok then, what am I to look like?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5: 22-23 NKJV

So, tell me again how do I live life empowered?

And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:24-25 NKJV

And even then, when it seems things are going well.

Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:26 NJKV

I Am in Christ, All I Was Not Alone

Oh, Father dear, help me to know

The truth of who I am

In Christ, You did on me bestow

All that I need down here below

That by my life I then might show

Your Spirits flame set bright Aglow

By Jesus Christ, the precious lamb

That You would take my wretched heart

So, broken by my sin

And through your Grace you did impart

Your righteousness to ne’er depart

Because in Christ, a brand-new start

That as your child, your dear sweetheart

Your spirit dwells within

Endowing me with all Your power

The same that rose Christ from the dead

By Grace through faith, on me did shower

The strength to stand firm like a tower

And from life’s fears to never cower

Because in Christ You did empower

Me to walk wherever lead

So as in Christ I lean into

Abiding in His arms

I come to know that which You knew

My heart transformed by You

It is You alone who’ll see me through

Each day by grace my heart renew

While learning of Your charms

I am Your Blessed, Beloved Child

Redeemed by Grace Alone

You looked upon my heart so wild

Who by this world had been beguiled!

Upon this broken one you smiled

With Patience, Mercy Oh so mild

You chose me as Your own

So, Help me Lord to comprehend

The depth and breadth of love divine

This broken heart, you chose to mend

Before the world to then defend

That I might find in You a friend

Although, my Lord on knee I bend

To give you all I thought was mine

So, take my heart and use it Lord

However, you desire

That I might then with one accord

Submit my will while marching toward

Your presence as my one reward

With truth my only sword

Your Love my impassioned fire

I am in Christ, all I was not

Before He called my name

For in my sin, I dare not rot

As would have been the Devil’s plot

For Christ did die, my freedom bought

And then by grace my heart He sought

How could I ever be the same?

by Effie Darlene Barba

So, How do we live life empowered?

Surrender to the Holy Spirit, seek God’s word and never ever forget His presence, every moment of everyday. Quote scripture back to your own brain.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. I urge you to seek Him today.

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How Can Anyone Remain Actually Free from the Law While Being Holy?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

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