Freedom
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” – This is how the fifth chapter of Paul’s letter to believers in Galatia begins. But, what does this freedom mean?
The cry for personal freedom has increasingly resonated with our culture for the last 40-50 years. It seems that young people in particular are consistently drawn to ideas of freedom. The “web” is full of songs and media clips that promote personal freedom and rebellion against anything that inhibits expressions of individual autonomy.
Is freedom an invitation to boundless, unrestricted, uninhibited pursuits? Is it a license to do or be whatever you want? Though such a vision may seem appealing, it will ultimately end up in slavery and addiction. Whatever we give ourselves to ends up becoming our master. Think of the expressions we use to describe folks who have given themselves to different things. “He’s a slave to his work; she is addicted to that TV show; that person can’t live without …”
Biblical freedom is not the liberty to do whatever you want, but to do what is right and best – the “God things” you want to do. It is freedom from the forces that hinder and bind you. It is freedom from the consequences of sin, from its enslavement. Jesus said, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34) Jesus’ death and resurrection, however, broke the enslaving power of sin for all who believe in Him. (1 Corinthians 15:56-57) But what does that freedom look like?
“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial …I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12) Freedom in Christ allows us to make choices. We are no longer bound by our urges, lusts and hankerings. Rob Bell wrote in The Sex God, “Freedom isn’t being able to have whatever we crave. Freedom is going without what we crave and being fine with it.” Freedom means not being mastered by our desires and cravings. It gives us the ability to say, “No” appropriately, so we can say, “Yes” to whatever is beneficial and right.
In Christ we have been set free from the powers that hold us back from doing what God has created us to do. “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) This is the freedom that Christ died to purchase for you. He has set you free to do all the good that the Father has intended and prepared for you to do. So … can you think of any of the great things God wants you to do? Why not move ahead and do them – there really is no power holding you back any more.
Free with you,
Pastor Tom
