Important Truth about Freedom and Jesus

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Jesus said that He came to set prisoners free. What exactly does that mean? Join me for a closer look and ways to make it personal...

I’m starting The Faith Project with a closer look at freedom. What is it? What does it mean for me? How can I live faithfully aware of the freedom I have in Jesus.

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him:

“You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:30–31

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:36

But what exactly is freedom in Christ?

1. Freedom from the guilt and shame of sin. 

 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 8:23–24

2. Freedom from slavery to sin.

 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.  Romans 6:16

3. Freedom from the lies we tell ourselves. 

 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:8–9

4. Freedom from Satan’s lies. 

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:10–11

That’s what it is, but how can I apply it?

Does it mean I can do whatever I want?

After all, if I’m no longer bound to the Law (Romans 7:5–6) I’m free to do what I want. Right?

Nope.

Jesus said that He came to set prisoners free, but what exactly does that mean. Join me for a closer look and ways to make it personal...

Freedom makes me free to do what God wants. And I don’t know about you, but I still fall very short of what God wants.

As Rev and I drove home from church last weekend, where I’d confessed my sins before taking Communion, I caught myself saying things waaaay outside of God’s will. Seriously, I often wonder how long I could go without doing something that “falls short of God’s glory.” I’m pretty sure it’s not very long at all.

So, living out my freedom from sin means I want to confess and repent every day . . . more often when necessary and it’s usually necessary.

Confess – admit or state that I have done or failed to do something according to God’s will.

Repent – express sincere remorse over my failure and my desire to change.

What a way to start the year! Focusing on sin.

But…

It’s not about sin. Actually, it’s about forgiveness. Forgiveness that gives freedom.

Freedom from the burden of sin, and Holy Spirit help to change.

Jesus said that He came to set prisoners free. What exactly does that mean? Join me for a closer look and ways to make it personal...

So, I’m taking my journal and I’m confessing and repenting. I may not write down every little detail, but I’m documenting the changes I want to make. I’m replacing the lies of self-deception with the truth of God’s Word.

And I’m celebrating freedom. Freedom from sin. Freedom in Jesus. Freedom to be who He created me to be.

So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. Ephesians 1:6–7

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20 Comments

  1. After spending the year on Galatians in 2015, I cherish and relish my freedom more than ever.

    1. Galatians 5:1 is my verse for Friday’s post. I think I’ve always known about the freedom I have through forgiveness, but living it out like I believe it is more of a challenge. With God’s help . . . I believe that too is possible. God’s blessings to you!

  2. Thank you for this! It came at a much needed time. God Bless!

    1. Oh, Daria, I’m so glad it blessed you! God’s blessings to you as well!

  3. As my pastor would say, “That will preach!” Really good word, Deb. Love the Scripture to emphasize each crucial point. We are starting a study of Galatians in our Sunday School class, and I’m looking forward to getting immersed a bit more in this idea of freedom.

    1. Aw thanks, Kari! I’m heading to Galatians on Friday. What a wonderful way to start the new year . . . immersed in a study of our freedom in Christ! Blessings and Happy New Year to you!

  4. Hi Deb! You are one of many who are not planning to center around a word or list this year. That’s great! I think you should absolutely do what the Lord is asking of you.

    Freedom from myself would be the ultimate in joy. I am the one who holds myself back the most. I understand your point about not using freedom to give me permission to ‘do anything I want’. True freedom is walking with perfection…the Lord!
    Happy New Year to you too 🙂
    Ceil

    1. I understand freedom from self . . . fear, anxiety, insecurity. Yep. I’m much better than I used to be years ago, but that is part of my prayer for this journey—that the Lord will help my roots go so deep that I realize that “free indeed” that Jesus talks about. Blessings to you my friend!

  5. Thank you for sharing your inspiring words! Stopping by from Together We (BLOG)!

    1. Thanks so much for visiting and stopping to say ‘hi’.

  6. Great post, Deb! GOD bless you, beautiful friend! 🙂

  7. Jennifer Lavallee says:

    Visiting you from 3-d lessons link up! Glad I tripped a crossed your blog! I’ll be sure to follow you!

    1. Thank you Jennifer. You truly made my day!

  8. Lisa Morris says:

    Freedom, Praising God for it and learning to walk in it daily. I really enjoyed this post. Thank you for sharing your heart!

    1. That is my prayer Lisa . . . daily walking in the blessing of the freedom only Jesus gives. Many blessings to you in 2016!

  9. This is just what I needed to read! I’m focusing on being more faithful this year. I am so thankful for the freedom I have in Jesus. Thank you for sharing with Thankful Thursdays.

  10. Thank you for the reminder of the beautiful gift we have in Christ!