“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free…” (Galatians 5:1)
Here is a powerful truth: We are free from the power of sin. It has been broken. It was broken at the cross.
Since we still struggle with sin, we sometimes have hard time believing we have been set free from the power of sin. We say things like “I can’t help it! I’ve always been this way. I tried to stop, there’s nothing I can do about it. This is just the way I am.”
Jesus’ death and resurrection have set us free from the power of sin, but how can we live free in our daily lives? How can we find ongoing freedom from addictions, unhealthy habits, fear, uncontrolled anger, our past, and more? The answer is found in truth. There is no freedom apart from walking in God’s truth.
“Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
I know there are some of you who have heard the lies of Satan, telling you that you will never be free. You will never be free from your bitterness. You will never be free from guilt and shame. You will never be free from you lust. You will never be free from your anger. Remember, the devil is a liar.
Jesus said freedom is connected to truth. We must learn to abide in truth.
My view of truth will determine my value of truth. If I hold the Bible in a high view, if I have a high view of scripture and believe it to be the authoritative word of God, than I’ll take it seriously.
This book it’s truth has the power to change my life. The first few words of Hebrews 4:12 in the New Living translation say this “The word of God is full of living power.” As I absorb it and take it into my life it has the power to change me. So if I’m going to be free I’ve got to first receive the truth of God then abide in truth.
In 8:31, Jesus says, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine.” The mark of genuine faith is not just mental or verbal profession that you believe in Christ.
We must learn to submit to truth.
You can receive the truth. You can abide in truth. But freedom is found when we submit to truth…when we apply it to our lies.
The best way to submit to truth is in community - confessions this week. “Here’s where I struggle…” James 5:16 “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
Why confess? Our struggles thrive in secret…in the darkeness.
Sin, the secret of sin, keeps us isolated. Forgiveness comes from God, but it’s through community that God brings us freedom.
This is how we find freedom in your lives. We receive, God’s truth. We abide in his Word, and we submit to truth. Apart from truth we can’t find freedom.
Today’s Challenge: Think of an area of your life in which you are struggling to live in freedom. Discover what God’s word has to say about it. Ask God to help you to submit to his word and begin to walk in freedom.
Discussion Questions:
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