Today's scriptures: Galatians 5:1-13
True freedom comes through Christ. Before salvation, we were slaves to sin. We
were slaves to our flesh and its desires.
But when we came to faith in Christ, we were freed from the yoke of slavery to
sin. We no longer have to do what the world says to do. We don’t have to listen
to the lies our flesh tells.
We are free.
But Paul makes it very clear. Yes, we
are free from sin’s grip through salvation in Christ, but we still have to be
alert. We have to stand firm … and keep on doing so.
It’s a constant battle between the flesh and the spirit. And freedom in Christ
does not give us license to sin as we please and then go back to Him for forgiveness.
Instead, we need to focus on God’s commandments and His will so we can
experience true freedom.
We can serve Christ and use the freedom we have in Him to serve Him and others.
That’s what true freedom looks like: living to glorify our Savior, doing the
will of the heavenly Father.
Showing posts with label freedom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freedom. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Thursday, March 05, 2015
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. 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).
Monday, February 23, 2015
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.
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
Happy Independence Day!
People throughout our country will be having bar-b-ques and beach parties, festivals and carnivals. Fireworks. Reunions. Concerts.
All in celebration of the fact that we are a free nation.
Even in the midst of another tumultuous election year, we are blessed.
As our forefathers wrote:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
And as our Bill of Rights reminds us, we have the freedom to speak as we like and worship as we want. We can, within the prevailing laws (and for those of us who follow the Bible, within its boundaries), live however we choose.
We are free because men and women fought for that freedom ... and they continue to do so today.
So, as you enjoy your grilled burger and watch the local fireworks display, remember how very, very blessed you are to live in this nation, this nation that has been "endowed by [our] Creator."
And be grateful.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
True Freedom (1 Cor. 9:1-2)
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
(1 Corinthians 9:1-2, NASB)
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” (John 8:34, NKJV).
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).
(1 Corinthians 9:1-2, NASB)
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” (John 8:34, NKJV).
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).
Saturday, March 17, 2012
True Freedom (1 Cor. 7:21-24)
Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.
(1 Corinthians 7:21-24, NASB)
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.
But sometimes, we don't live as though we're free in Christ.
Our Lord paid the ultimate price for our salvation. And 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” (7:15, CEV). We’re still at war with the flesh even though we know how Christ provided for our freedom from sin.
Yet, even when we sin, we can be assured: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ” (Romans 8:1, NASB). When we confess our sins and strive diligently to live like Christ, He will forgive us. Yes, it's a constant battle this side of heaven, but we can win each battle. If we keep our focus on our Lord.
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” (Matthew 25:21, NASB).
Ahh. That’s true freedom.
(1 Corinthians 7:21-24, NASB)
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.
But sometimes, we don't live as though we're free in Christ.
Our Lord paid the ultimate price for our salvation. And 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” (7:15, CEV). We’re still at war with the flesh even though we know how Christ provided for our freedom from sin.
Yet, even when we sin, we can be assured: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ” (Romans 8:1, NASB). When we confess our sins and strive diligently to live like Christ, He will forgive us. Yes, it's a constant battle this side of heaven, but we can win each battle. If we keep our focus on our Lord.
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” (Matthew 25:21, NASB).
Ahh. That’s true freedom.
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