Walking in Freedom
In a world filled with various forms of bondage, both external and internal, there is a profound longing for freedom. Freedom from fear, shame, worry, etc. I want this blog to be full of hope and encouragement for each of us, me included. I want to let you know, if you don’t already, that freedom is available to you! You can walk freely from bondage when you walk with Christ. Not because of anything you have done or will do, but only because of the work of Jesus on the cross.
Galatians 5:1 says, “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.” Let’s break this down a bit. What comes to your mind when you think about freedom? Well, let’s look at the definition: “The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hinderance or restraint.” However, this definition is not exactly what this verse is talking about. The verse talks about what I’m going to call “Christian freedom.” So, what exactly is “Christian freedom?” A lot of people today live with the idea that freedom means doing whatever they want to do, and never denying any desire. This is not the freedom that we are called to, nor that we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. Christian freedom is freedom from the tyranny of having to earn our own way to God. The freedom from sin and guilt and condemnation. Freedom from the penalty and the power and eventually, one day, freedom from the presence of sin.
“That Christ has set us free.” I want to focus on that. I want us to know and be reminded that our freedom is not because of our acts or anything we do. Freedom is a gift that is given to us and that is received only by faith in Jesus!! Romans 3:23-24 reminds us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Without Christ and his death, burial, and resurrection, we are dead in our sins with no way out. That’s why the second half of that Romans verse is SO IMPORTANT! Because of his ultimate sacrifice, we are made new in him. We are no longer dead in our transgressions or slaves to our sin! And because we didn’t do anything to earn that freedom, we can’t do anything to lose it! He freely gave it to us so that we may walk in him for the rest of our days! Take time to recognize that today and to praise God for that amazing, life-changing gift.
Galatians 5:1 also tells us to “stand firm.” We receive freedom from Jesus, but it takes effort to not be sucked back into our old habits and our old lifestyle. The schemes of the enemy are real, and he is constantly looking for ways to destroy those who follow Jesus. Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us to put on our armor every single day. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (v. 10-12) We must remember to stand firm and be ready when the world tries to attack. Chase after that freedom in Christ every day! It’s worth fighting for.
I want to end with this: True freedom is found in surrendering our lives to Christ. By relinquishing control and trusting in His divine plan, we experience a profound sense of peace and freedom. Surrendering our own desires and aligning our will with God's leads us to a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. The concept of freedom in Christ offers a transformative journey, leading to deliverance from the chains that bind us. Through understanding Christ's redemption, breaking free from guilt and shame, overcoming fear, putting on our armor, and surrendering to God's plan, we can experience a profound sense of freedom and live abundantly.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for each person reading this! I pray that you would bless them today and that they would feel your nearness. Would they be reminded of the power of the cross and what it means for us: true freedom in Christ! We praise you for that free gift and may we live every day to fulfill the purpose you have for us. Would you create in us a boldness to go out and share the gospel with those around us! May we grow in our faith and stand firm in what we know to be true. In Jesus’ name! Amen!