“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
So much in this world can weigh us down. Even though it is easy to be overwhelmed by temptations and burdens we can be encouraged that Jesus has overcome it all and he gives us the strength to do the same. So, what does the bible have to say about seeking freedom in Christ? Here’s 11 tips for 11n11.
1. Remember that Jesus died for our freedom and “it is finished” (John 19:30). By this he meant he had finished the work of his Father and fulfilled his promises, which includes the redemption of his children. He has already won our freedom (Romans 8:2). All we need to do is accept it. The bars of enslavement have opened. All we need to do is walk out and never turn back.
2. Identify your problem. Many of us are unaware of all the areas we need freedom from. Ask the Lord to reveal the areas in our life in which we are enslaved
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.”
Psalms? ?139?:?23-24?
3. Humble yourself (1 Peter 5:6-7). This is key. Do not compare yourself to anyone except Christ.
4. Submit your requests to God (Philippians 4:6-7). Do this and you will receive peace that surpasses all understanding.
5. Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). Once you have submitted your requests, rejoice in the Lord! Do not analyze how you feel. instead, focus on Christ and everything he has done for you.
6. Focus on others (Galatians 6:2, Philippians 2:4). We are called to bear each other’s burdens and help them when they’re in need. This world is filled with billions of people and each person has a life just as complex as your own filled with their own worries. Take time to focus on someone else and help them during a hard time.
7. Meditate on the promises of God (Joshua 1:8). To meditate means to ponder aloud. When we do this, we guard our hearts from the enemy. When we know the promises of the Lord, there is nothing to fear!
8. Be strong and courageous! (Joshua 1:9). Obey the Lord even when it’s scary. If you want freedom you’ve never had then you have to be willing to do something you’ve never done.
9. Take anxious thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Freedom is a daily battle and we must keep alert so we do not lose ground.
10. Listen to the Lord (Proverbs 1:33). “But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.”
11. Flee from temptation (2 Timothy 2:22). Instead of saying no to temptation, flee from it and anything which could cause you to be tempted. The opposite of sin is Christ, run to Christ!
The purpose of freedom is not to keep from sinning, it is to find complete joy in Christ. The Lord wants us to seek Him because he wants us to be joyful and knows that it is impossible to find true joy outside of Himself.
Scripture References:
“Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” – John? ?19?:?30?
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” – Romans? ?8?:?2?
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter? ?5?:?6-7?
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians? ?4?:?4, 6-7?
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians? ?6?:?2?
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. – Philippians? ?2?:?1-4?
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua? ?1?:?8-9?
“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,” –
?2 Corinthians? ?10?:?5?
“Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 2 Timothy? ?2?:?22?
May the peace that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts in Christ Jesus,
Chris
