Freedom in Boundaries

In general we think that freedom means no boundaries, no restraints, even no rules. We think that we can’t be free if someone else is telling us what to do. We crave the ability to be on our own and think we are “shackled” if we are not. Is that what true freedom really is? Is that the only way to be free?

Galatians 5:1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

We are set free by the blood of Christ, but from what did He free us? From slavery, but to whom? To sin and satan. We are born slaves of sin, and have no choice but to follow it. Christ died in order to free us from that bondage, so that we would have a choice; whether to live as free people and follow Him, or to live as slaves and submit to sin. The catch here is that we are not free to live as we want.

1 Peter 2:16 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.

The great lie satan tells is that we are free if we do what we want, live as we want, but the truth is there are only two options: slaves to sin or slaves to Christ. There is no door number 3.

2 Peter 2:19 New American Standard Bible (NASB) (emphasis added)

promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.

We are all overcome by something, whether we realize it or not. If we think we are living our own way, doing our own thing, we are really enslaved by sin and satan because God says that we are to obey Him and not ourselves, our lusts, or our passions. True freedom is found in Christ, for then we are allowed to choose, then we are free to obey Him out of love and respect.

John 8:31-32, 36 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free…So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

The truth that frees us is the truth of Jesus, of who He is and what He did for us. It is the truth of our sin and rebellion, and of His sacrifice to pay the penalty of our sins. It is the truth of His justice, mercy and grace. It is only in the bounds of His truth and kingdom that we are truly free. He can free us from all sin, and every sin. He can help us overcome anything that has enslaved us.

To whom are you enslaved? By what are you overcome? Have you experienced His freedom?