True freedom.
In America, the 4th of July is often a celebration of our freedom, liberty, and life.
While this year the celebration is a bit ironic amidst desired anarchy, riots, and increased selfishness … may I turn our attention to our true freedom.
In Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul gives an overview of how we have lived – in sin, trespasses, and thus “in death.”
He gives elaborate detail on this way of death:
- we lived according to the mindset and lifestyle of the world
- we lived under the influence of the demonic – we lived in rebellion against God
- we were “sons of disobedience”
- we lived in the lusts of our flesh
- we lived fulfilling and creating new ways to sin in our “desires of the flesh”
- we were by nature children of wrath
Yet, in the midst of our sin and rebellion against the King of kings, God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were living in sin, Christ died for us (see Romans 5:8).
Paul uses the phrase “But God” in Ephesians 1:4 to describe this incredible reality!
Because of His rich mercy and the great love with which He loved us, we (who were dead in sin) were made alive together with Christ! By grace we have been saved!
This isn’t merely good news, this is great news!
As Paul wrote in Colossians – He has delivered us from the domain and power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His dear Son, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins (see Colossians 1:13-14).
We have freedom!
We have life!
We don’t have to continue living under the tyranny of sin and death but we CAN live as Christ calls us (and enables us) to live – as Christians.
“But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18).
No matter where you live, let us not get caught up in fireworks and BBQs, but rather let us dwell upon the victory and freedom we have in Christ Jesus!
Remember, “so if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Know I’m praying for you and cheering you on in the freedom of Christ!
Out of my distress I called on the LORD;
the LORD answered me and set me free
(Psalm 118:5).