January 5, 2014 – Pastor Tim – “Our Greatest Freedom”
In 1776, the 13 British colonies in North America protested the limitations placed on them by the king of England and engaged in a struggle that gave birth to a brand-new republic. The infant nation soon adopted that now-famous document known as the Declaration of Independence.
Almost 2,000 years ago, the Lord Jesus cried out on the cross, “It is finished,” proclaiming the believer’s “declaration of independence.” All of humanity was under the tyranny of sin and death. But Christ, the sinless One, took our place on Calvary and died for our sins. Having satisfied God’s righteous demands, Jesus now sets free for eternity all who trust Him. Galatians 4:31, So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free. We are not children of the law—but of grace (because we are under the dispensation of grace). For some reason, the church today seems to think that God is overlooking our sin instead of forgiving our sin and asking us to “go and sin no more.” Grace doesn’t give us permission to sin, grace is what empowers us to follow Christ and live as His Word commands. Paul chose what was beneficial for his relationship with Christ over what his flesh liked.
1 Corinthians 6:12, All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. The New Living Translation says it this way, You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.
In Galatians 3:13a, Paul wrote, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us…
Galatians 2:20-21a, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God… In other words, I’m not making sport of (or mocking) God’s grace as if it has no value, but I am holding His grace in high esteem and consider it of great value—not to be wasted or thrown about.
Romans 8:1-2 assures us, There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. If we are walking by the Spirit’s leading and not the leading of our flesh (or what feels good at the moment) our lives will not condemn us.
We should be thankful to God for any freedom we enjoy in our nation. But above all, believers need to praise Him for the freedom that is found in Christ! All the freedom we enjoy here may not be beneficial for our freedom in Christ and eternity. Just because society or the culture says it is acceptable does not mean that it is okay with God. Galatians 5:1 urges all who have been redeemed to Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Now we are free—there’s no condemnation! Jesus provides a perfect salvation. Our greatest freedom is to serve Him perfectly, led by His Spirit and Word,
You must be logged in to post a comment.