Biblical Freedom

John 8:31-36; Romans 6:22,23

We as Americans love our freedom. It is unique in comparison to other nations of the world and has only been experienced the way that we know it in the last 240 years or so. We value things like free speech, freedom of religion, property ownership, the right to bare arms, and ultimately the right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Many men and woman have fought to defend these freedoms on the battlefields and in the courtrooms to preserve these freedoms that we value so dearly.

Today there is a different type of struggle in our country over the idea of what true freedom is. Some say that freedom is about me, others believe that it is about us, and some peoples idea of freedom is actually leading them down a road to where they will have no freedom at all. There have been many books that have been written concerning how to govern a people and just how much freedom can one be given before they begin to abuse it. In our country today we are losing our freedoms in the name of freedom and are on the verge of losing this great heritage of which America was founded upon, the Biblical idea of freedom which is the freedom to be what we have been called to be in the Lord!

Jesus said “He that the son sets free is free indeed.” Free from what? Tyranny? Government overreach? Abusive laws? Certain restraints? All of these are important to each of us and freedom must be preserved in order for these not to flourish. These are American freedoms. The type of freedom of which Jesus gives is a freedom from the tyranny of sin!

Paul said “But now being made free from sin.” Notice he said now. Not when we die, not at some certain age or stage in life or after we have sown our wild oats. But now! This is the freedom that we as Christians should seek for, fight for, and stand up for in this evil age. We are grieved by the evil that is dominating our culture today. But let me ask you a thought provoking question? What about the evil in mine and your heart? Does sin rule in your life or do your rule over it? This was the question that was brought to Cain before he killed his brother Abel. (See Genesis 4:1-7) And this question is before us as well everyday of our life.

Jesus Christ died on the cross and “Destroyed the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 It not that we will be perfect and never sin again, but it does mean that we can have perfect hearts. A perfect heart is one that has been perfected in love and strives for obedience to God. It is a heart shaped and molded by continuing as a disciple in the word of God which makes one “…perfect, thoroughly furnished in every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:17. In our failures and shortcomings God provides grace as a means, not a crutch, to hold us up when we stumble.

Who is in control of you life? The Holy Spirt or sin? Think on this today and fight for the freedom that Christ died to give to everyone that believes upon him.

Read and pray Psalms 139:23,24

Pastor Robby