Free! Free! Free! #18

Romans 8:1-2
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the
power of the life-giving Spirit as freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of
sin that leads to death.” (NLT)

Happy Fourth of July! As we celebrate our freedoms as Americans we also can celebrate our freedom in Jesus. “It was for freedom that Christ has set you free.” Galatians 5:1 (my paraphrase)

Romans 8 encourages you with at least four kinds of freedom.

1. You are free from condemnation, guilt, and punishment. One commentator calls it freedom from “penal servitude” or in other words continuing in penal servitude as if you had never been set free from sin’s penalty. It means as a believer you are no longer doing penance or some action or punishment in order to receive forgiveness and make up for your sins.

2. You are free to belong. One of your greatest needs is belonging, feeling a part of something or someone. You are connected to Jesus. You belong to Him.

3. You are free to live by the power of the Holy Spirit and not by the law. Your power to live freely and with power does not come from keeping rules but by the fruit of God’s Spirit within you.

4. You are free from the power of sin which leads to death. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NAS) Sin was dealt a death blow on the cross and by God’s grace you have been forgiven and set free to live in victory.

Celebrate the freedom of the great country of America, but don’t forget to celebrate your FREEDOM IN CHRIST!!

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.