As we mentioned in our last article (“Christ Blessed & Saved Us”), Jesus our Redeemer has released each and every believer from bondage.  We will, however, be responsible individually [to God] for how we have used our freedom.

Here’s what the Bible says to us:

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.  (1 Pet 2:16 NIV)

For freedom Christ freed us. Stand fast therefore and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.  (Gal 5:1 MEV)

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  (Gal 5:13 ESV)

One teaching or ‘reasoning’ on this topic is that the Bible warns us not to waste our freedom in Christ to selfishly serve ourselves instead of serving each other in love. The entire law is fulfilled in that one word: love. Those who serve themselves, though, will always end up in conflict with others.  

The Spirit calls believers to live in the freedom that Jesus gives, rather than in bondage to sin and the law. Freedom is, in its substance, the ability to make choices.  But every believer still has a daily choice whether to walk in the resurrection power of Jesus or in the power of their old nature, the flesh. 

We should never use our spiritual freedom as an excuse to commit sin, thus disobeying God and His holy Word.  God sees the secrets and the motivations of our hearts.  Understand this truth:  the Lord knows our hearts.

Even in this, the Lord gives us a clear and unmistakable teaching:

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  (Gal 5:16 NIV)

Walking by the Spirit means allowing he Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us about every decision in our lives.

Followers of Christ have a different kind of freedom now, and we should live as Jesus lived—in serving our heavenly Father through serving others, and thereby bringing glory to the Kingdom of God.  Hallelujah!

***** THIS IS MY LAST BLOG TO BE PUBLISHED.  THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR INTEREST! ******

Someone once said: "God votes for you. The devil votes against you. YOURS is the Deciding Vote!" Think about the truth of this statement, and how important your own thoughts, words, and decisions are in your life! Family; music; reading; writing articles; and doing Bible research are some of my favorite things. I believe that God is good and that He loves mankind all of the time. He's never in a bad mood! He is our Savior, Deliverer, Healer, Reconciler, Provider and Protector. He desires a loving relationship with each and every human being. Praise God! I've served the Lord for 54 years in various ways--mostly in the background and in church clerical and administrative functions. Eventually, I was promoted and given more responsibility. I was asked to teach and to co-lead the Healing Ministry with my husband. Ultimately, the Lord blessed me by calling me as an Associate Pastor for nearly 8 years before I retired. I love serving the Lord and His people!

Leave a comment