Why Go Back When You’ve Been Set Free?

Scripture Focus
 
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1, NASB1995
 
 
 
Sermon Reflection
 
Freedom is not just the absence of restrictions; it’s the presence of Christ. Paul opens Galatians 5 by reminding believers that Christ already set us free, and now we must live in that freedom with intentionality. The battle isn’t just about sin but about control. Are we walking by the Spirit, or are we slipping back into the pressure to perform, prove, or produce what only God can provide?
 
Just like Israel longed for Egypt after being delivered, and just like Sarah and Abraham tried to manufacture the promise through Hagar, we, too, are tempted to take things into our own hands when waiting on God feels too hard.
 
But Paul’s call is clear: stand firm. Don’t return to the yoke of slavery, religious rituals, self-effort, or spiritual shortcuts. Freedom was never meant to make you independent from God; it’s meant to make you completely dependent on the Spirit.
 
 
 
How Should I Respond?
 
Ask yourself: What am I trying to produce in my life that God only meant for me to receive by faith?
 
Are you frustrated, tired, or burdened because you’re trying to make it happen instead of trusting it will happen?
 
Let this be a moment of honest reflection. Freedom in Christ doesn’t mean you stop working; it means you stop working for something God already gave. You live from grace, not for approval.
 
You’ve been set free. Don’t go back.
 
 
 
Weekly Prayer
 
Father,
I confess the ways I’ve tried to produce what only You can promise.
Forgive me for trusting in my plans instead of Your Word.
Remind me of the freedom I have in Christ, not to do whatever I want, but to do what pleases You.
Give me discernment to stand firm, not slip back.
And teach me how to walk in the Spirit, with joy and full trust in You.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
 
 
 
Application for the Week: 5-Day Challenge
 
DayFocusScriptureAction
Day 1Remember Your FreedomGalatians 5:1Write down three ways God has set you free—spiritually, emotionally, or relationally. Reflect on them in prayer.
Day 2Resist the Yoke of SlaveryGalatians 4:9Identify an area in your life where you feel pressure to perform. What might “trust” look like there? Surrender it to God.
Day 3Let God Lead the TimingGenesis 16:1–4Journal about a promise you’re waiting on. Ask: Am I still trusting, or am I trying to manufacture it?
Day 4Celebrate the PromiseHebrews 11:11Reflect on Sarah’s story. She doubted, but God still called her faithful. Let that encourage you to believe again.
Day 5Stand Firm in Spirit-Led LivingRomans 8:1–4Choose one area where you will intentionally walk by the Spirit today. Write a prayer to stay rooted in grace.
 
 
 
 
Final Thought
 
Freedom isn’t doing whatever you want; it’s the power to do what pleases God. Don’t trade Spirit-born life for flesh-produced frustration. You’ve been set free, not just from something, but for someone. His name is Jesus.
 
So this week, live like a son or daughter of the promise. Stand firm. Don’t go back. Trust the One who set you free.