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Many people have the idea that “liberty” means freedom to do whatever I want with no restrictions. What Paul meant by liberty is freedom to belong to the Messiah and God’s people without keeping the Old Covenant.
Paul talks about the “hope of righteousness.” The word “hope” indicates that something is not yet fulfilled. By liberty Paul meant neither sinless perfection nor freedom to live in sin. The promise is that faith leads to good works, but this is not a promise of perfection.
Paul also talks about “faith working through love.” By this phrase Paul is saying the same thing James says, that faith that does not bear fruit is not saving faith. Liberty is an opportunity to love. Paul says you have the freedom to love as much and do as much good as you want to.
Paul gives us a list of sins of the flesh that we are not free to do. Most of these sins are against other people and are the result of lack of love for others. Paul’s list of sins of the flesh seem to fall into four categories: personal pleasure, idolatry and witchcraft, relational conflicts, and lack of self control.
Surrender to Christ and love for Christ and others would go a long way in defeating the sins Paul names. In addition, spiritual and emotional growth requires investing in Scripture, focusing on love for God, and developing an understanding of one’s attitudes and motivations. We cannot love and obey out of human energy.