We’ve all tasted the sweet relief that comes with a bit of freedom. But there is a world of difference between the temporary freedom of summer vacation and the eternal freedom we have in the kingdom of God. In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims that “if the Son sets you free, you really will be free” (John 8:36). Those listening to Him were undoubtedly confused. In offering freedom, Jesus was implying they were somehow slaves, but they weren’t enslaved to anyone, not legally or physically anyway. How can you be set free if you aren’t in chains?
Apart from Christ, we are bound to our sin. This was true of the people in Jesus’s day, and it’s true of us now. Scripture is saturated with references to what life apart from Christ looks like. We were once slaves to sin (John 8:34) and ruled by death (Romans 6:9). Sin reigned in our bodies (Romans 6:12), and we stood condemned (Romans 8:2). But Jesus went to battle for us against the powers of darkness and came out victorious. His promise of freedom is a timeless one meant for anyone who comes to Christ. It doesn’t elapse or depend on our own merit. If the Son frees you, then you are free.
Our invitation into God’s family is an invitation into an abundant life that is no longer bent low under the weight of sin. It’s an invitation into an eternal way of being, one where our sin is uprooted and cast as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). It is an invitation to freedom.
Little comforts from yesterday and today’s readings for me:
Ephesians 1:14 “The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.” Thank you Lord for the down payment/gift of the Holy Spirit. Your love for us is evident always, even to giving us the Comforter, our Guide during this time until the redemption of the possession – until the time we come home. May our hearts and lives be full to overflowing with praise and glory to you.
We are holy and blameless in love before him…blessed with an imperishable undefiled, unfading inheritance in Jesus Christ our Lord.
“Enslaved to righteousness which results in sanctification” is right where I want to live.
And my friend Kate’s favorite verse, Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.
I read, but did not write yesterday. My husband was exposed to the Corona virus. It should not have happened, but it did. Saturday evening he started running a fever, and had some other symptoms. He was not better by Sunday. While I do not have symptoms presently, we were told we should both be tested. We went Monday morning and will get the results in 48 hours. I am praising God that I am feeling well and can give my husband the care he needs, as well as take care of things around home. I am praying that we will rest in our God and Father during this time. I am also praying that the Holy Spirit will guide us in his care. My husband is not always good about stopping when he is sick. The fact that he has stopped, speaks volumes. I pray it is just sinus’ or a head/summer cold…but if not, we still rest in the hands of our God. Certainly He will use this for good in our hearts as He draws us nearer to Himself. The best news…would be we do not have it…but if we do, may God be glorified.
I hesitated to share because I do not want the SRT feed to be about my loving sisters-in-Christ’s concern for us. Prayers, while filling these posts with the greatness of God and His tremendous promises, would be the desire of my heart.
Prayers of healing for you both and best wishes for the best possible outcome.
I am set free!, When those uninvited voices try to tell me I am not worthy, I can lash back “I am free because Christ conquered death for me!” My sins have been casted as far as the east from the west. That is HIS promise to me and you! Psalm 103:12.
Reminds me of the song by the Newsboys: I am Free
Mari – was wondering what happened with your sons friend who was in an accident – Nate? Is he well?
Dorothy, I lift you before the Lord this morning. I am sorry for the loss of your precious niece. I recognize that your mourning covers a broad scope as she was your roommate and friend, as well as family. I am thankful you have found a place to move to, and I pray that it will be a good place. – That God will use it for good in your life and in the lives of those around you. As heavy as this is, you mourn much, because you loved well. That is beautiful, wise, and honors God. May God’s feathers surround you and His wings cover you. Shalom sister.
Heidi, your words really resonate with me today. Thank you for sharing them. Today, and every day, I pray more of YOU LORD, and less of me!
One of the most disheartening things to me is the concept of being free but walking enslaved. The fact that so many of us allow whispers of the enemy to convince us to put chains on ourselves. Whispered reminders of failures, short-comings, poor choices, lost tempers, etc, convince us we deserve chains and we then live a freed life tied down and limited and never truly experience the freedom He set us free for! It’s just heartbreaking. It’s the Israelites stumbling through the desert decade after decade… they had been fully delivered and yet they wondered around aimless and trapped by their own issues that they refused to “sacrifice” up to their Rescuer. When we die to our sinful desires, we sacrifice temporary pleasure for life-altering, circumstance-surpassing peace, joy, and fulfillment. It’s unreal to me the amount of times IN A DAY I will instead, sacrifice the freedom from my savior for the chains of discontentment, anger, and selfishness.
Praying today that I may allow His freedom to rule my choices, reactions, and my thoughts, that I may experience new freedom and that OTHERS then get to experience it as well.
The Living Bible’s version of 2 Corinthians 5:21 states:
“God took the sinless Christ and poured into Him our sins. Then in exchange, He poured God’s goodness into us.”
We have God’s goodness, God’s righteousness, in us. May this affect how we live today!
There is nothing like knowing that Jesus washed me whiter than snow with His blood, shed on the cross for my sin! Oh how I love you Lord, & how thankful I am to be yours, bought with a price. Today’s verses take me back to the moment of my salvation, when I fell on my face at the foot of the cross in filth & shame & arose transformed by His amazing love: set free from sin, forgiven, eyes wide open & heart willing to obey. Oh what a Savior!! Though 40 years have passed, & yes, I’m still a sinner, as we all are this side of Heaven, I am encouraged to continue to grow in the love & knowledge of the Lord, & in the fruit of the Spirit. SRT is one of the tools that keeps me focused on God’s Truth. Love & blessings to you all!
Romans 6:16. You are slaves to the one you obey- sin or obedience. There are only two choices. I have found it is with God all a matter of the heart. You are either with Him or against Him.