When we think of freedom, we often associate it with being free from physical captivity or slavery, but many people today are living in spiritual slavery without realizing it. They chase false gods of money, success, personal comfort, and romantic love. These things leave them with an emptiness that no earthly thing can fill. The good news is that we don’t have to live in spiritual bondage. 

God offers us a choice–bondage or freedom; and he doesn’t leave us to find freedom on our own. He gives it to us, through his Son, Jesus Christ. When Jesus revealed himself as the Messiah, he said he had come to Earth to “proclaim freedom” (Luke 4:18). He came to free us from sin–the spiritual slavery that leads to eternal death. Jesus rescues us from the slavery of sin and offers true freedom in this life and beyond. This is the freedom that sin has long denied us.

Read

Luke 4:18-19, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Reflect

How do we find the freedom God provides for us?

Through accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

What does Jesus give us freedom from?

Death, sin, and anything that spiritually enslaves us. John 8:34-36, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

How do I make sure I don’t lose my freedom?

By standing firm and choosing to follow Jesus daily. 2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Pray

Father God,

Thank you for the freedom that comes from the sacrifice of Jesus. There is freedom in that name and in his presence. As I struggle and stumble with the bonds of sin, I pray you guide me to stand firm, giving me peace to know that while I am not perfect, I am free in the presence of your Spirit.

In Jesus’ Holy Name,

Amen.