I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your (God’s) precepts (Psalm 118:5)
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free (Galatians 5:1).
Freedom: (n.) The power or right to think, act, speak or live as one desires…without restraint or hindrance.
I know…when we think of “freedom,” we tend to conjure up images of flags and fireworks, hot dogs and watermelon! Let me challenge us today to think…even live…differently, in regards to our perceptions of freedom!
You see, God says that if HE sets us free, we are free indeed. Freedom to what? Freedom from what? Freedom for what? What exactly does God’s Word say about freedom? Well, I will tell you this, when we get through what God has shown me about freedom, I daresay you will feel…FREE!
Now, I’m not going to list every scripture reference, or the meaty truths would be lost in lists of numbers! Here is what I’ve discovered about what God says about freedom…
As believers in and followers of Jesus, we have
Freedom FROM…
- anxiety
- bondage
- condemnation
- discouragement
- eternal separation from God
- slavery to sin and to the flesh
We have freedom TO: (This list is a doozie!)
- be forgiven of ALL our sins
- live forever in heaven, with Jesus
- have an abundant life
- offer love, peace, service, mercy, forgiveness, and grace to others
- be direct recipients of Jesus’ love, peace, mercy, grace, healing power, Presence, and provision
- give generously
- serve selflessly
- think of others as more important than ourselves
- walk in boldness, self control, protection, and unconditional love
We have freedom FOR:
- direct access to the Holy Spirit, Himself, for comfort, peace, guidance, and intercession
- having authority to bind evil things and loose godly things on earth
- discerning the lies of the enemy from the Voice of Truth
- fighting our battles with God’s strength, instead of our own
- the direct praise and worship of Jesus, Himself
Why does it continue to amaze me, no matter how many words He gives me, that these “little” words are NOT what they seem on the surface?! This word has many implications and explanations within God’s Word…that pertain to all the areas of our lives!
Will you ask God to show you more and more about the freedoms for which He died that you might possess?
Lord, thank you for freedom! Thank you that we have freedom for direct access to the Creator of the Universe, our savior, our Rock, to live life as you’ve ordained! Thank you for your Holy Spirit to comfort, strengthen, discipline, and intercede for us! Thank you that we have freedom to live godly lives through your strength and power! Thank you that you gave us freedom from (and authority over) the lies and temptations that the enemy throws our way! Give us wisdom and discernment to walk in more and more freedom, each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
And a couple other classic freedom verses, for good measure!
For the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Cor. 3:17)
You will know the truth…and the truth will set you free (John 8:32).