Of human bondage

And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), - Galatians 2.4

The Galatians believers had a problem. It is a problem that has cropped up all through the ages. There were false teachers who had snuck into the church with their false teachings. 

These particular teachers did not like the liberty by which the Galatians lived. These guys thought that the Law was still applicable and they tried to use the Law to squelch the new found freedom in Christ. Paul said that these false teachers were trying to bring the Christians in Galatia, who had found liberty in Christ, back into the bondage of the law. 

What a tragedy that is. Grace robbers have always try to make either salvation or godly living a set of rules and regulations. 

There is no doubt that God expects us to live godly lives that honour Him. There is no doubt that there are Bible standards of behaviour. The New Testament is full of wonderful teachings on how we are supposed to live. 

The problem is that, like these Galatian false teachers, sometimes people create rules and regulations that have nothing to do with the word of God. I remember being told that any facial hair on a man was ungodly. I remember being told that wire rimmed glasses were worldly. I have heard that women wearing denim was sin because denim was a man's material. 

Of course I could go on and on with the man made traditions and regulations which have nothing to do with the Bible pattern of godly living. 

I think the issue arises when we focus on externals. We seem to think that if we can get people to do our perception of what is right that they will somehow become more spiritual. 

Jesus of course nailed the whole issue when he talked about the Law. He pointed out that the Law said that a man sinned if he committed adultery or murder he violated the Law. Jesus said even to lust or hate was the equivalent to committing the sin. It was the heart that needed fixing. 

We don't need men to make up a list of does and don'ts. That is truly an attempt to bring us into bondage. 

Jesus summarised the Law simply. Let me parrowphrase what  he said. 'Love God and love others.' If we could see the New Testament teachings in the light of that we could enjoy our liberty in Christ while bringing glory to His name. We don't need the shackles of men's traditions. All we need is Spirit empowered obedience to His word.