FREED BY GRACE Galatians 1:1–5
Sermon by Rev. Aaron Liu
7 June 2026
Introduction
Rev. Aaron Liu reminded us that the Christian life begins, continues, and ends with God's grace. In his opening verses to the Galatian church, the Apostle Paul immediately directs attention away from human effort and toward God's saving work through Jesus Christ.
The Galatians were facing the temptation to believe that acceptance before God depended on religious performance and obedience to rules. Paul therefore begins his letter by emphasizing that salvation is entirely the work of God. We are not saved by our achievements, morality, status, or spiritual accomplishments. We are saved solely by God's grace through Jesus Christ.
Rev. Aaron highlighted that many believers today struggle with the same issue. We often measure our worth by our performance, comparing ourselves with others and believing we must earn God's approval. The Gospel, however, teaches us that grace is a gift freely given by God and received through faith.
Key Scripture
"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
— Galatians 1:3–5
Rev. Aaron reminded us that these opening words contain the heart of the Gospel. Grace originates from God, was purchased by Christ, and frees us to live for God's glory.
Grace Begins with God, Not Us
(Galatians 1:1–2)
Paul introduces himself as an apostle "sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father."
Rev. Aaron highlighted that Paul's calling did not originate from human authority or personal achievement. God Himself initiated and established Paul's ministry.
Likewise, our relationship with God begins with God's initiative. Salvation is not something we achieve. It is something God graciously gives.
The world constantly teaches us that our value depends on our accomplishments, qualifications, appearance, wealth, or success. Yet the Gospel teaches something radically different.
God's acceptance of us is not based on our performance.
Rev. Aaron reminded us that before we ever sought God, He first sought us. Before we loved Him, He first loved us. Grace always begins with God.
This truth frees us from constantly striving to prove ourselves before God and others.
Grace Was Purchased Through Christ
(Galatians 1:3–4a)
Paul writes:
"Who gave himself for our sins..."
Rev. Aaron highlighted that grace is free to us, but it was extremely costly to Christ.
Our forgiveness did not come cheaply. Jesus willingly gave Himself on the cross and paid the full price for our sins.
The cross demonstrates both God's justice and God's love.
God did not ignore sin. Instead, Christ bore the punishment that we deserved.
Rev. Aaron reminded us that every blessing we receive—forgiveness, reconciliation, salvation, peace, hope, and eternal life—was purchased through Christ's sacrifice.
Because Jesus paid the price, we no longer need to carry the burden of guilt, shame, or condemnation.
Grace is not something we earn.
Grace is something Christ purchased for us.
The cross therefore becomes the foundation of our confidence before God.
Grace Sets Us Free to Live for God
(Galatians 1:4b–5)
Paul declares that Christ came:
"...to rescue us from the present evil age..."
Rev. Aaron emphasized that salvation is not only freedom from the penalty of sin but also freedom from the power of sin.
Jesus rescues us from living according to the values, pressures, and priorities of the world.
Many people seek freedom through success, wealth, recognition, or personal achievement. Yet these things often become forms of bondage.
True freedom is found in Christ alone.
Grace not only forgives us; grace transforms us.
Grace empowers us to live differently.
Rev. Aaron reminded us that Christian freedom is not permission to live however we please. Rather, it is freedom to live according to God's purposes.
When we understand God's grace, our lives naturally become a response of worship, gratitude, obedience, and service.
This is why Paul concludes with praise:
"To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
The ultimate purpose of grace is God's glory.
A Final Word
Rev. Aaron encouraged us to stop measuring our worth by performance, achievements, failures, or the expectations of others.
Our identity is found in Christ.
We are loved because God chose to love us.
We are accepted because Christ has already paid the price for us.
Grace is free, but it was costly.
May we live each day in gratitude for Christ's sacrifice, resting in God's unconditional love, and allowing His grace to transform us into people who bring glory to Him.
Conclusion
Rev. Aaron reminded us that the message of Galatians begins with grace because the Christian life itself begins with grace.
We are not saved by our works.
We are not sustained by our works.
We are not perfected by our works.
Everything begins and ends with God's grace through Jesus Christ.
May we continually rest in His grace, walk in His freedom, and live for His glory.
Take-Home Message
Rev. Aaron reminded us that grace changes everything.
Grace begins with God, not our efforts.
Grace was purchased through Christ's sacrifice.
Grace sets us free to live for God and for His glory.
The Gospel is not about what we can do for God.
The Gospel is about what God has already done for us through Jesus Christ.
When we truly understand grace, we no longer live to earn God's love. Instead, we live because we have already received God's love.
Grace begins with God, was purchased by Christ, and sets us free to live for His glory—not to earn His love, but because we have already received it.
This keeps the sermon's central theme concise, memorable, and aligned with Rev. Aaron Liu's message from Galatians 1:1–5.
Reflection & Discussion Questions
How can we actively remind ourselves that our acceptance by God is unconditional and not based on our performance?
Reflection:
We can remind ourselves daily through Scripture, prayer, worship, and remembering the cross. Verses such as
Ephesians 2:8-9 is a foundational Christian passage stating that salvation is a free gift from God received through faith, not by human effort.
and
Romans 8:1 declares, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus".
remind us that salvation is God's gift and not our achievement. Keeping a habit of thanking God for His grace helps us focus on what Christ has done rather than what we have done.
How might our identities shift if we rooted our self-worth in God's love rather than in societal expectations?
Reflection:
We would become less anxious about success, comparison, approval, and failure. Our confidence would come from being children of God rather than from achievements or status. We would experience greater peace, security, and freedom because our value would be anchored in God's unchanging love.
What does living out the principle "grace is free but costly" look like in your daily life?
Reflection:
It means living with gratitude and humility, recognizing that Christ paid a tremendous price for our salvation. We honor His sacrifice by pursuing holiness, forgiving others, serving willingly, and using our freedom to glorify God rather than ourselves.
How can we encourage others in our community who feel burdened by the pressure to earn God's love?
Reflection:
We can continually point them back to the Gospel. We can remind them that God's love is based on Christ's finished work, not their performance.
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast" (NIV).
By sharing Scripture, praying with them, showing grace, and demonstrating God's unconditional love through our actions, we help them experience the freedom found in Christ.
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