The word “freedom” has a variety of meanings for a variety of different people. When Martha Stewart was in prison it meant early release, she could go home. To an Iraqi citizen it may mean living under democratic rule instead of a dictator. To a small businessman it could be defined in purely economic terms, ability to meet payroll, expand the business etc. To someone in a formerly communist bloc country it may mean the absence of social and political oppression.
But what does it mean to you? What does freedom mean to the Christian? Galatians 5:13 tells us we were called to freedom,"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love". If your a Christian ask yourself, Why did God the Father set His saving love on you? Why did God the Son die for you? Why did God the Holy Spirit call you to faith in that sacrifice? The answer is Freedom!
For the Christian freedom means one of three things:
1. First there is freedom from the condemnation of God’s wrath. That’s what Paul had in mind in Romans 8:1 when he declared, “Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”.
2. Second, there is freedom from the compulsion of sin. Romans 6:14 assures us that “Sin will have no dominion” over us since we “Are not under law but under grace”.
3. Third, there is freedom from the conscience of other people, which is the primary theme of the fourteenth chapter of Romans. This is the area of Christian freedom I want to address.
No comments:
Post a Comment