It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:1)
What is Freedom?
Freedom is not the right to do what we want, but the ability to do what we ought.
Without Christ, we are slaves to sin, unable to do what is right.
Christ’s death on the Cross set us free from the penalty and power of sin
Quote by Focus on the family
Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination. (United Nations, 2021)
Total Freedom is freedom indeed
We might have the right to life and liberty, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education among others but not have freedom from slavery (of sin) and its consequences (torture). Some prominent people, billionaires, celebrities, teenagers and young people might be excelling in many areas of their lives but do not have total freedom.
Doing wrong things when you know the right things to do but do not have the ability to do them is a form of slavery since you become a slave to those wrong things instead of a master.
Being addicted to various things like drugs, sex, smoking, alcohol, gambling, etc can keep people in bondage as they are not able to control themselves and say no to these things. They become slaves to these addictions.
Being a slave to sin
Have you ever wondered why you often find yourself doing the bad things that you do not want to do but you are not able to do the good things that you would rather do. In January every year, people try to start living their lives right on a clean page, they make ‘new year’s resolutions’ to adopt healthy lifestyles by exercising or eating healthy. Others might resolve to lose weight, quit smoking/drugs, stop drinking, gossiping, stealing, fornication, adultery, cheating, etc.
Most people would like to stop doing things that they know are wrong but they find it difficult to break away from it. This can also result in a battle of the will, mind and spirit and can manifest in depression, anxiety, panic attacks, low self-esteem, lack of confidence and many other emotional and psychological issues.
Experiencing negative life cycles?
If you find yourself repeating negative cycles over and over again is a red flag that needs attention. Just when you think you are free, you end up in that negative place again and you can not help it. No one want to willingly be a slave and even though we do not use the term ‘slave’ today, most people are in slavery based on the definition of the word and suffer the consequences of their sins for the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
The conversation between Jesus and the believing Jews in John 8:31-34 is a typical example of what is happening today.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”
Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.
We are all born into sin
No one teaches a child to lie, steal or treat other children unfairly, the child just does these things because its innate. We were born into sin and live in sin and will continue to sin until we die unless there is an intervention. We cannot stop sinning by our own strength.
We all have sinned and fallen short of glory of God as in Romans 3:23. God made us in his image and expect us to manifest his glory in all things to show the world that we are truly his. In our marriage, work, family, children, business, lifestyle, finance, health, ministry etc, we must manifest God’s glory.
Every sin is a sin, whether it a white lie, anger, harsh words, offence, jealousy, bitterness, anger, rage, adultery, or murder, God sees them all as sins. Sin is what stops us from experiencing and manifesting the glory of God because God will not endorse a sinner with his glory.
People who keep on sinning may not see themselves as slaves to sin for many reasons such as enjoying the very act of sinning or being blinded by the devil (2 Corinthians 4:4).
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12)
Freedom from the slavery to sin
Ignorance is not a bliss as people say. Sometimes it is ignorance or lack of knowledge regarding our actions which leads to destruction (Hosea 4:6).We know that the wages of sin is death, but God’s gift is eternal life in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). Knowing the truth is the answer to breaking free from slavery, bondage or afflictions.
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
Jesus Christ the son of God is the way, the truth and the life. He is the only provision God has given authority to set us free from darkness, slavery and bondage. Nothing or no one else can. You may have tried various things or taken different advice to overcome whatever you are battling without any success. you might be tired of your recurrent cycle of defeat. Jesus calls out to you to come to him and he will give you rest. He can set you free in all areas so you can live the glorious life God intended for us from the beginning.
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)
