July 7, 2024
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NASB)
“So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NASB)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)
One of the travesties of the Christian life is not walking in the freedom we have in Christ! The freedom that has already been purchased by Jesus on the cross. Have you ever wondered why there are so many Christians who live as though they are still in bondage? This observation resonates deeply within the essence of the Christian faith, as it reflects a missed opportunity to experience the fullness of the life that Jesus Christ promises to all who believe in Him and the message of the gospel!
Everyone seeks to be free! After celebrating the birth of our nation this past week and the privilege of living in a free country, especially in the Western world, freedom is the highest virtue. Freedom is sought after by all who are, or consider themselves to be oppressed.
But freedom in Christ is not the same as political or economic freedom. One of my favorite writers in the New Testament, mainly in the writings of the Apostle Paul, the theme of freedom, is recurrent. Galatians 5:1 declares, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” This verse underscores the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice: to liberate us from the chains of sin, guilt, and legalistic adherence to the law. Yet, many Christians live as if they are still bound by these very chains, unable to fully grasp or embrace the liberty granted through Jesus. WHY?
One of the reasons, Believers in Christ cannot embrace their God-given purpose and destiny is that they are living in the past. Living day and night in the web of past hurts, disappointments, regrets, guilt, and pain causes them to miss out on the abundant life Jesus offers, a life characterized by peace, joy, and purpose!
One of the enemy’s tricks is to keep God’s people rehearsing the past, over and over and over. By fully embracing the freedom granted to us through Christ’s sacrifice, we can experience the transformative power of the gospel and live in a way that glorifies God and blesses others.
Unfortunately, many Christians live as though they are still in bondage. For one thing, many often rebel against our Savior, refusing to obey His teachings and clinging to their old lives. They hold on to the sins that once bound us to Satan as our master. Yes, as some will say “We are still in this earth suit!” Because our new nature still lives in the old fleshly nature, we are still drawn to sin. The Apostle Paul gives us clear instructions of what we must constantly do.
He wrote to the church in Ephesus and all Christians today in Ephesians 4:22–32, to “put off” the old self with its deceit and corruption and “put on” the new self with its righteousness. Put off lying and put on truthfulness. Put off stealing and put on usefulness and work. Put off bitterness, rage, and anger, and put on kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. We have been set free from the bondage of sin, but we often put the chains back on because part of us loves the old life.
The Word of God states emphatically in Galatians 5:1 that Believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ are free in Christ! “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Before Jesus died on the cross, God’s people lived under a detailed system of laws that served as a moral compass to guide their lives. The Law, while powerless to grant salvation or produce true freedom, nevertheless pointed the way to Jesus Christ in Galatians 3:19–24. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, setting believers free from the law of sin and death. God’s laws are now written in our hearts through the Spirit of God, and we are free to follow and serve Christ in ways that please and glorify Him as noted in Romans 8:2–8. This is a snapshot, of the definition of Christian freedom.
Again, let’s be clear! One of the tricks of the enemy that keeps God’s people in bondage is by rehearsing the past. God wants to do great things in the lives of His children. He loves us with an undying love. One cannot embrace purpose and destiny by living in the past, keeping your eyes in the rear mirror of their life, constantly rehearsing the ills of the past, putting other others down, and not loving or forgiving.
However, travesties in the lives of Christians can be manifested in various ways. One is living in bondage to sin and guilt. Despite being forgiven, some Christians continue to carry the burden of past sins. They struggle with feelings of unworthiness and shame, which can hinder their relationship with God and their spiritual growth. This self-imposed captivity contrasts sharply with the promise of complete forgiveness and cleansing through Christ’s atoning sacrifice by embracing 1 John 1:9. As Believers in Christ we are to renew our minds. Romans 12:2 encourages believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This involves immersing ourselves in God’s Word and allowing His truths to reshape our thoughts and attitudes, thereby breaking free from old patterns of thinking and living in the past!
Believers are to live by the Spirit, Galatians 5:16 urges us to walk by the Spirit. This means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our daily lives, making decisions in alignment with God’s will, and experiencing the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, and peace. Believers are to embrace their identity in Christ: Recognizing and living out our identity as children of God, co-heirs with Christ, and new creations as noted in 2 Corinthians 5:17 empowers us to live confidently and victoriously.
HEART 
CHALLENGE: How do you know you are really free? John 8:36 says, “If the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” Knowing Jesus is real freedom! Jesus himself is the truth that sets you free! He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees you from the consequences of sin, from self-deception, and from deception by Satan. He shows you clearly the way to eternal life with God. Jesus does not give you freedom to do what you want, but freedom to follow God. As you seek to serve God, Jesus’ perfect truth frees you to be all that God meant you to be.
What or who is your final authority in life? I mean, when you are cornered, when you are really up against it when you’re forced to face reality. Upon what do you lean? Before you answer too quickly, think about it for a few moments. When it comes to establishing a standard of morality, what’s your guide?
When you need an ethical compass to find your way out of an ethical jungle, where is north? As a point of reference symbolically, where is your “north, your North Star,” which symbolizes direction, guidance, stability, and purpose? In ancient times, navigators and travelers used the North Star as a way to determine their location and navigate the seas. Even today, the North Star is still seen as a symbol of hope and direction, guiding us toward our true north. Due to a fixed position relative to other stars. It always remains almost exactly the same point in relation to other stars, no matter what. When you are on a stormy, churning sea of emotions, how do you find your way? Where do you turn? Which lighthouse shows you where you find the shore.
Christian kindness is God’s love expressed in practical ways. It is intentionally sharing the love He has shown us. Our current relationship with God can be measured by how we express kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness to others.
A FREE 
HEART: A free heart is living for Christ. It is a life which gives you purpose and direction. Seek and live out your God-given purpose, understanding that true freedom is found in fulfilling one’s divine calling. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” A free heart inspires Believers in Christ to use their freedom to serve others in love making a positive impact in their communities and beyond Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (NASB)
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for Your Word, which provides us with clear instructions on how we are to live free in You! Help us to simply obey Your Word so that we can be forgiven, renewed, empowered, and transformed to live the life You have called us to live, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.