Freedom in Christ

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a
yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

One of the most significant lies in our culture is that freedom doesn’t have rules. If I am truly free, I will have no limitations, and my behavior will have no moral bounds. When the apostles John and Paul talk about being free, it is not a freedom outside the realm of Truth. The lie of our culture is to believe that sin does not exist and that anything you do is good, provided you don’t hurt someone else. This is common in a self-sufficient, affluent culture in which we have the freedom to believe whatever we choose. But ideas have consequences, and to believe you are free of moral parameters is the opposite of what you want to accomplish. You become a slave to the very lifestyle you feel gives you freedom.

When I married my wife, I promised to “love, honor, and cherish” her until death do us part. Our marriage has been a freeing experience within the rules of our marriage vows. There are truths in relationships for them to succeed, and there are ways of destroying them under the guise of freedom. We trust each other and we love each other because we live under the rules God has provided for us, and under that umbrella, we live free. We are free to be ourselves, to argue, to forgive, to have differences, and to work those differences out. God provides the platform for success under his regulations, and he has provided the Holy Spirit to direct us so that we will become one emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

The church in Corinth was plagued by the belief that freedom in Christ meant that there were no rules. They could believe in Christ and also visit the temple prostitutes. They could acknowledge Christ and live their lives as if there were no rules.

Let’s face it. Sin can be very attractive. Living for temporary pleasures can give you momentary thrills that make you desire it more. It’s more than sexual issues. It’s adrenaline rushes. It’s the thrill of victory in sports. It’s coveting a large bank account. It’s dreaming of the next cruise. It’s a steak dinner. It’s making anything more precious than your faith in Jesus. Do you live for your vacations? Are you looking for the next person to conquer? Is the next beer going to be the best one you've ever drunk? None of these desires is wrong in and of themselves. Living within his rules gives me the freedom to live life fully, but the Lord has freed me from the desire to make that my life’s goal. I am free to love the Lord with all my heart, body, and soul, and everything else is secondary.

My freedom in Christ means I live for him and by his rules. My slavery to sin has been broken, and I can live in His grace. My freedom is not found in self-sufficiency, but in Christ alone.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
 
PRAYER
Lord, help me to love you more, live by your principles, and to resist the temptations of this culture that give temporary pleasure and eternal consequences.

QUESTIONS
What do you get excited about?
Can you do it under the guidance of the Lord and his principles for life?