The Freedom God wants to your Life

The Bible declares in Galatians 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." What is intended by this statement? What kind of freedom does Christ bring into our lives? This is a very important issue for if you don't know that you are free, you could remain in bondage to situations and thoughts. Years ago, the great escape artist Harry Houdini would issue a challenge wherever he went. He could be locked in any jail cell and set himself free in short order. He always kept his promise, but one time something when wrong. He had pulled out a concealed piece of metal and begun to work on the lock, but as he worked on the lock he could not get anything to move. Finally, after laboring for two hours Houdini collapsed in frustration against the door he could not unlock. But, when he fell against the door, it swung open! It had never been locked! But since Houdini thought it was locked, he stayed locked up. Many people are not living in the freedom that God has intended for their lives, because of a lack of knowledge. May you receive a clear vision of the freedom God has for you. There are two aspects of this freedom that I would like you to understand:

1. FREEDOM FROM THE BONDAGE OF SIN AND YOUR SINFUL NATURE - Romans 8:2 says, "through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." God brings a freedom from the bondage of sin and the fear of death because Christ Jesus has suffered the consequences for our sin already. When we entrust our lives to Christ and desire to live by the "law of the Spirit of life" we enjoy a great freedom. We do not have to follow "rules of man" or religious rules but simply to follow Christ, being led by the Holy Spirit. As you hold to the truths of God's Word, it brings freedom from every kind of bondage in your life. Lusting, anger, jealousy, selfishness, idolatry, etc., all come under God's control as we learn to live by God's Word in the power of the Holy Spirit. You can be free from the control of your sinful nature, ask Christ Jesus to do that for you today. Then hold to that truth in faith. Fight for that freedom! 

2. OUR FREEDOM IS ONE OF LOVING RESPONSIBILITY - Galatians 5:13 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love." Our freedom is within the covenant of love. To act and to serve in love. Too many people are judging others in regard to their faith, and not being a good example themselves. James 2:12 says, "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" Don't judge others you might think of as weak in faith , we are to love one another and to encourage others to faith in the finished work of Christ. Don't put burdens on them. I Corinthians 10:23 "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." So we are free from the bondage of "self" to truly enjoy our relationships! 
We are free to enjoy relationship with God, not trying to "do" things to be right with Him. And we are free to enjoy our other relationships because we not looking for them to "do" everything right also. 


In conclusion: 1. Receive the vision of freedom! A freedom from shame, guilt and the bondage of sin into a loving responsibility before God. 2. As you recognize bondages ask for Jesus to set you free! Knowing He is able! Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.. Jesus is here to set us free! 3. Apply God's Word to your situation specifically, with faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank Him for freedom from bondage! 4. Go! and give out this liberty! It is in the giving up of your life that you become truly free. Anything you cannot give away controls you. Let us not rest until every captive of darkness has been set free!