Freedom's Paradox in the Original Text

When B.B. Warfield defended the doctrine of biblical inerrancy, he insisted that every word of Scripture carries divine authority down to its verb tenses and grammatical constructions. That precision matters profoundly in Galatians 5:13, where Paul writes, "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

The word Paul chose for "serve" is douleuete — a present active imperative derived from doulos, meaning bond-slave. Paul did not select a softer term. He did not write "help" or "assist." He deliberately employed the language of total, willing submission. The inspired text commands believers to enslave themselves to one another through love. This is not a suggestion. It is an imperative verb, a direct command from God Himself through His inerrant Word.

Consider what this means doctrinally. The same apostle who just spent four chapters demolishing legalism now issues a binding command. Freedom from the law does not produce autonomy. It produces voluntary servitude to the Body of Christ. The flesh wants freedom for self. The Spirit redirects freedom toward others.

A church that takes Scripture seriously — every tense, every mood, every imperative — cannot treat service as optional ministry for the especially gifted. Douleuete is addressed to every believer. The inerrant Word leaves no room for spectators. If you have been freed by Christ, you have been freed to serve.