We live in a country where freedom is celebrated. The founding fathers gave their life for it. The majority of us were born into a county that offers freedom with no true understanding of what it took to obtain it. This liberty is often taken for granted. Many do not appreciate it, and at times some even disrespect it. The same is true for our Heavenly Father, and the freedom that He gave us through Christ. Jesus sacrificed and died for our freedom. He paid the ultimate price so we could live a life of Freedom.
As Christians, do we know what that really means? What is Freedom in Christ, and how do we obtain it? As with everything that we ask, wonder or question about God, the answer is found in His Word.
“Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs [crucified] on a tree (cross)”— in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might also come to the Gentiles, so that we would all receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3: 13-14 (Amplified Bible)
The world is full of so many temptations that can target your weaknesses. It is an individual, personal challenge. The struggles that I face may not be the same as yours, but it exists for all of us. Guilt, condemnation, addiction, fear. The good news is that you can be released from all of those things. This is what freedom in Christ gives us. The bondage that you were walking in before you were saved does not have a hold on you any longer. Jesus told us that we are set free. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. -John 8:31-36
It is an amazing and powerful truth that we can be released from these struggles. Think about the areas in your life that have a hold on you. Perhaps it is an addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling or pornography. Maybe it is foul language, or a desire to gossip. Anger, fear, judgment and temptation. These are all things that are harmful to our spirit. These are the areas that we struggle to have control over. Freedom in Christ gives us the power to do that. To be released and to celebrate that we no longer have to be held captive to the areas in our lives that have caused us to sin.
There is a price to pay to keep this freedom however. We must take action to accept it and to hold on to it. We have to fight for freedom and we have to make sacrifices.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
We have to stay away from the areas in our lives that cause us to sin. If Christ has set you free in an area of your life, don’t let yourself get “entangled again’. For example, if you have a weakness with alcohol and addiction, it is probably best to avoid situations where you will be tempted to consume. If you are prone to gossip and a judgemental spirit, remove yourself from those who take part in the same chit chat. Sometimes it does require us to make new friends, or find new hobbies. We will almost certainly make a mistake. There are going to be times when our judgment is off or temptation wins out. God understands that and He forgives us when we truly repent. However, if you are making a conscious decision to ignore God’s word and to continue in what you know to be wrong and harmful to you, there will be condemnation. We don’t want this for our lives or for the lives of others. “There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 If we choose to follow after the Spirit, there will be sacrifices. However, the reward is far greater. You will find freedom, victory, joy and confidence in Him as you let go of the sin that is holding you captive. Just as there is choice to live for Christ, there is the choice to do nothing. We can decide to be a slave to our sin and our flesh. It is our choice. We are FREE in Christ and empowered by HIM to do what is right in His eyes.
What will you choose today? I pray that Christ sets you free from the guilt, and from the condemnation. I encourage you this week to ask the Father to release you from the chains that bind you. I pray you are set free and begin to experience the amazing freedom that comes only from a relationship with Jesus.
Until Next Time Remember
Stay Calm, and Be Empowered!
