True Freedom (1 Corinthians 9:1-2)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:1-2

Freedom. It’s a fundamental desire of all humanity. We weren’t created for slavery of any kind. When we feel confined, we strive to shake off whatever binds us.

Yet even if we’re free of any earthly constraints, so many are bound by sin. We are, in fact, slaves of sin. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin” (NKJV, John 8:34).

Addictions. Sexual sin. Greed. Anger.

Freedom, true freedom, comes from faith in Christ. Paul wrote to the Roman Christians: “… thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness” (6:17-18).

When we’re in Christ, we are free from the repercussions of sin. We’re free to live according to God’s will. We’re free to serve our God who loves more than we can truly comprehend.

And we who are in Christ must not continue to live in habitual sin because He saved us from that sin: “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).

Indeed, our being freed from sin should cause us to joyfully and gratefully serve God and others: “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” (Galatians 5:13).

Freedom ... (1 Corinthians 7:21-24)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:21-24

When we come to know Jesus Christ, we experience true freedom. Freedom from sin. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from the world’s enticements. True freedom.

Our Lord paid the ultimate price for our salvation. Yet, we are still enslaved by some kind of sin. It’s just like Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome: “I don't understand why I act the way I do. I don't do what I know is right. I do the things I hate” (CEV, 7:15). We’re still at war with the flesh even though we know how Christ provided for our freedom from sin.

We can be assured that “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ” (NASB, Romans 8:1).

I want so much to show my gratitude for all Jesus has done for me. I want to live for Him, not for myself. I want to be a slave to Him, not a slave to the world. And so each day, I have to commit my life to Him. I have to give up my fleshly desires for Him. I have to—no, I want to—honor Him and give Him glory.

Because I know the freedom I have as a daughter of the Most High God. A freedom that will one day give me the privilege of standing before His throne and hear—oh, how I pray this will be true—“Well done, my dear daughter.” I will hear Him say, “…enter into the joy of your master” (NASB, Matthew  25:21).

Ahh. That’s true freedom.

Free from Shame (2 Cor. 4:1-2)

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
(2 Corinthians 4:1-2, NASB)

How often have you let past sin cause present shame? That momentary indiscretion. That ill-advised choice. That spark of rebellion.

It’s in the past. It’s done.

You’ve asked for forgiveness, but sometimes, you still feel shame.

You don’t need to feel that way. You can “renounce” those things. Why? Because we serve a merciful God. We don’t have to live in shame any longer because all our past sins have been wiped away by the blood of Jesus Christ. We are, in the Father’s eyes, white as snow.

While grace is getting what we don’t deserve, mercy is not getting what we do deserve. We do deserve condemnation. We do deserve to live in shame. But our merciful God has wiped away our sins, and He remembers them no more (Isaiah 43:25).

And if you think about it, continuing to live in shame is almost saying that Christ’s sacrifice isn’t enough. That God’s promise to forget our sins is a lie.

In the words of Paul, may that never be!

Once we’re saved through the acceptance of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we don’t need to feel any shame.

Just tremendous gratitude for God’s grace and mercy.