Wednesday, July 4, 2007

The Greatest Freedom

“Christ has liberated us into freedom. Therefore stand firm and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1 CSB)

“July the Fourth” is a very special day in the hearts of most Americans. This is our Independence Day; it marks the beginning of our nation’s political independence. It represents freedom and liberty. Our forefathers had to fight to earn it, and many have had to fight since then to preserve it. Our liberty has cost many lives. Each year on this day we celebrate freedom, and we remember and express gratitude for those who gave their lives that we might have it.

As precious as this freedom is, there is another kind of freedom that is even greater. This is freedom in Christ, which was “purchased” for us with His blood. This freedom has at least three major areas of importance.

First, it is freedom from “the law,” that is, the Mosaic law of the Old Testament. That means we are no longer slaves to the law, in the sense that Christ was the completion of the law.

Second, this freedom is freedom from “the works of the flesh.” Galatians 5:19 lists many of these. We are led by the Spirit, not by law, and the Spirit frees us from the tyranny of sin and the flesh. We are no longer subject to sin.

Third, this freedom is freedom to express the fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit frees us to express love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.

The greatest of all freedoms is the freedom to walk with the Spirit.

Lord, We thank You for this freedom You have given us by Your grace. Help us to understand the responsibility that freedom requires, and help us to live great lives in the freedom Your Spirit gives us. Amen.

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