The Question about Freedom
Is anyone ever free? What does freedom look like in the life of a believer? If I am free in Christ, what am I free from?
Freedom is very essential in the life of every person and in this post I will highlight two points on freedom in Christ for the believer.
Freedom in Christ, Freedom in the World
The general understanding of freedom is the ability to act or do as one pleases without restraint or oppression. In our society, a person perceives to be free when he or she is able to self-direct their course of life without oppression. Freedom in Christ is not the same as we perceive freedom in the world. Freedom in Christ is a life lived by being led by the Spirit of God not Self. The freedom in Christ is achieved by becoming a slave to Christ by yielding to total obedience to Christ. It may seem ironic to juxtapose becoming a slave in Christ with freedom in Christ. Slave in this context is not one that involves dehumanizing acts rather simply means to belong to another. In his book “Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ”, John MacArthur states that
“Did you know that every time you utter the word “Lord,” you make a subtle yet profound declaration that God is your Master and you belong to him? “
John MacArthur “Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ”
1st Corinthians 6:20 reminds us that as believers we are bought at a price ( precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ) and as a result we belong to God. In Romans 6, Paul clearly teaches how the believer moves from being a slave to sin to becoming a slave of God. The freedom the believer experiences is freedom from the captivity of sin. Paul adds that through the obedience to the gospel, the believer is delivered by God from sin (Romans 6:17). The believer no longer lives under the terms of the enemy to continue in sin but liberated to live for God in Christ’s righteousness.
To experience freedom in Christ is to be free from the enslavement of the devil and come under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Being free in Christ does not mean permission to live as one pleases but to live according to the will, ways and word of God.
Kingdom of God vs kingdom of darkness
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and [a]conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption [b]through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-14 NKJV
Unlike the kingdom of darkness, God’s kingdom is not governed by manipulation, deception or forceful control over a person’s life rather God’s Spirit leads us. As we submit to God, we are able to experience joy, love, peace and God’s righteousness in God’s kingdom. Unfortunately because we live in the old fleshly nature, our flesh may desire to do as it pleases. It takes discipline to forsake the desires of the flesh and follow the leadings of the Spirit. To sustain our freedom in Christ and not again to become enslaved by the enemy to sin we ought to continually submit to God and live in obedience to Him only. Our devotion and commitment to God is strengthened through continual obedience to God, praying and meditation of God Word.
20 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.
Galatians 2:20 NKJV
Beloved in Christ, always remember that as a believer you belong to God, freed from the hold of sin and now a slave to Christ.
Soaking in God's Word 