What Is Freedom?
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What does the word “freedom” mean to you?
The truth is that this means different things to different people. It depends upon your circumstances. A person who has been to prison may see freedom as not being locked up. A high school student may see freedom as not having to go to school or not living with his or her parents
As a Christian, what does freedom mean to you?
In 2 Corinthians 3:17, Paul tells us, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” You have learned that the Holy Spirit is dwelling inside of you. If there is freedom wherever the Spirit is, then you know that you have freedom as well.
He confirms this in Galatians 5:1, where it reads: For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
There is freedom, but the question is, freedom from what? What are you free from?
We discussed in a previous lesson that Jesus’ death on the cross frees us from slavery to sin. That is what Paul is talking about in this verse as well. However, you need to be aware that your freedom is so much more.
It is freedom from hopelessness, despair, and anxiety. It is freedom from your past, from shame, and guilt. It is freedom from your sin debt and freedom from death. It is also an incredibly positive freedom. It is the freedom to live a life with joy, peace, patience, kindness, self-control, and generosity. It is freedom to walk with great confidence. It is also freedom to be loved. It is the freedom to have a whole new life.
You Have Been a Slave
Let’s be honest. You have been a slave to many things in your life. Addiction, lusts, anger, and fear are just a few of the things that may have enslaved you. What are some areas where you have felt enslaved?
Jesus came to free you from all those things. In John 8:36 we are told: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Jesus set you free. You are no longer a slave to sin.
Do you feel freedom from your sin?
If not, how do you think you find freedom?
This can seem like an overwhelming challenge. As we talked about in Galatians 5:16-23, you have two natures that are warring against one another. Your sin nature, your old man, wants to keep doing sinful, fleshly things. The Spirit inside you, your new man, wants to walk in the fruit of the Spirit. So, how do you live a life of freedom?
You Are Already Free!
This begins by recognizing the most important part of freedom – you already have it. You don’t need to work or fight to be free. The moment you accepted Jesus you were already free!
In Isaiah 61:1, the prophet declared one of the things that the Messiah would do. Here it reads: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
What are the three things this verse tells us that Jesus came to do?
Are you brokenhearted? Are you feeling captive to your sin? Do you feel like your guilt and shame have imprisoned you? Jesus came to free you from all of that. In fact, He has already done so, so how do you live like you are free?
The truth is that there are some challenges. If you have been to prison, you understand what it is like to return to a life of freedom. If you were in prison, what were behaviors and ways of thinking you had to change when you were on the outside?
Live Like You Are Free
Being free in Jesus also requires a change in your thinking. It starts by recognizing that you are free from the burden of your sins. Romans 8:1 tells us, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Your sins no longer condemn you. You are free from the eternal punishment for your sins. Do you know you are free?
You also do not need to sin any longer. You can be free from this. It starts by changing the way that you think about your sin. Let’s take your addiction for a moment. What are ways you can think differently about drugs and alcohol so that you can be free?
Why do you think that is so hard to change the way you think about your addiction?
In Galatians 5:13, Paul writes: 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.
The great thing about the freedom that God gives you is that you are free to do wrong things as well. God has given you freedom to live as the old man or the new. Which way do you want to live? Be honest.
What are some ways that you could start living in freedom right now?
Your Memory Verse: Galatians 5:1 – 1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
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