“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
Series Focus: “Through His Eyes”
Reciting lines from famous (or not so famous) movies is a fun pastime for my immediate family. From Disney movies to goofy ’80s’ movies, my daughters, husband, and I get a kick out of pulling out a line in just the right situation. It is probably annoying to our house guests, but that hasn’t stopped us yet! Do you have a favorite movie quote? Maybe there’s one that motivated you, stirred your emotions, or even made you cry. There is one line by a character, William Wallace, that does all three: “… tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take… OUR FREEDOM!” This famous quote comes from the movie Braveheart. Why is Wallace so passionate about freedom? Probably for the same reasons we are.
Over the past few months, our posts have focused on “who we are in Christ.” Specifically, how we are seen “Through His Eyes.” We have searched the scriptures and found the following truths: You are reconciled, loved, filled, worthy, holy, strong, chosen, protected, precious, unique, and victorious—because of Jesus!
His boundless grace for you did not stop there. Put these truths together, believe who God says you are, and an ultimate piece of your identity will flourish. The freedom you so desperately desire is yours—you are free! Jesus frees you from every stronghold the enemy has put upon you. The enemy attacks, causing fear, anxiety, rejection, addiction, and any other distraction. Anything keeping you from a stronger relationship with Jesus, or trusting His grace, could be a stronghold in your life. In Psalm 118:5, we hear the psalmist cry out to the Lord:
Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. (ESV)
Call upon His name when you are in distress, trouble, pain, or sadness. Jesus holds the key to break the sins binding you, to quiet the voices taunting you, and to remove the temptations pulling you. In John 8:31-32, Jesus tells His followers how to receive this gift of freedom:
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (ESV)
The truth can only set us free if we know it. Jesus calls us to abide in His word. Abiding in His word means to remain in it, read it, study it, and experience it. Do you know the truth? Can you distinguish the truth of God from the lies of the enemy? The enemy can try to destroy your life, but he can never take the freedom you have in Christ Jesus! Satan knows the grave did not hold Jesus. In His resurrection, came the power to break every chain we will ever encounter. With the power of the Holy Spirit working within us as believers in Christ, Satan can not take what Jesus has given—FREEDOM!
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (ESV)
Sister, you are free indeed.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Galatians 5:1; Psalm 118:5; John 8:31-32, 36; John 16:33; 1 Peter 2:16; Romans 5:10-11; 1 John 4:7-8; Ephesians 1:4-5, 2:10, 4:22-24; Matthew 6:26; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 91, 139