Grace and Freedom

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. Galatians 5:1 NIV

Christ died to set us free from sin and from a long list of laws and regulations. Christ came to set us free - not free to do whatever we want because that would lead us back into slavery to our selfish desires. Rather, thanks to Christ, we are now free and able to do what was impossible before - to live unselfishly.

Grace and freedom are not a license to sin (Jude 4). In fact, sin enslaves us; sin is addictive (John 8:34). As those for whom the old person of sin has died and been buried with Jesus in baptism, we are not to let sin reign over us or become our master because we have been liberated by grace (Rom. 6:1-14). So let's seek the power of the Holy Spirit to cleanse us (Heb. 9:14) and powerfully liberate us from sin (Rom. 8:10-15). Let's use our freedom to bless and build others up. Let's use our freedom to offer our hearts and lives to the work of God!

Prayer:

Holy Father,

Thank you for freeing me from the guilt and power of sin. Please empower and transform me by your Spirit so that I can leave my sinful past behind and live a life of character and blessing in my family, in my work, in your church, and in your world.

In Jesus' name I ask.

Amen