06/16/2025
By Pastor Vinnie Cappetta
"Protecting Your Freedom"
Fighting for the Gospel in Your Life
Galatians 2:1–6
The Gospel gives you freedom — but freedom always has enemies.
Paul talks about “false believers” sneaking in and trying to spy on the freedom Jesus gave. Their goal wasn’t to celebrate it — it was to steal it.
That battle still happens today. Every time we’re tempted to add “extra rules” to our faith... every time we think we have to earn God's love... every time we let guilt or fear hold us hostage... that’s when the enemy is trying to chain us up again.
Paul refused to back down — even for one hour. And so should we.
I think of my little daughter one time: She was playing quietly while I was doing the dishes. Too quietly. When I peeked in, she looked up at me, very serious, and said, "Go back to washing dishes. I'm hiding!" Turns out, she needed some privacy... for reasons every parent of toddlers understands.
Sometimes you’ve got a job God gave you to do — and the enemy just wants to spy and mess it up. You don't need to explain yourself to every critic. You just need to stay free.
Some things to think about:
- Where are you tempted to add extra burdens to your faith?
- Are you living more by grace or by guilt right now?
- What freedom has Jesus already given you that you need to protect?
Practicing Faith (this week):
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one "heavy burden" you’ve been carrying that Jesus never asked you to carry. Write it down. Lay it before Him in prayer. Leave it there.
Memory Verse Challenge:
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me." — John 14:1
A Prayer You Can Pray:
Lord, help me fight for the freedom You've given me. Don't let me go back into chains You already broke. Teach me to live fully in Your grace, not guilt.
