As humans, we hate the idea of being trapped. We crave freedom because God created us to be free. Yet, we often feel trapped in our broken lives. We are held back by fear, anxiety, doubt, and regrets. Our minds are imprisoned by our own thoughts. We can’t dig our way out of our failures on our own. We can’t set ourselves free from the brokenness, sin, and lies that have invaded God’s good creation.
But one thing I wish I’d known about Jesus when I was a teenager is that He alone has the power to set us free. The freedom Jesus gives us is not like the freedom the world claims it can give. In John 8:31-32, Jesus said, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.â€
The people listening were confused. They said, “But we are descendants of Abraham. We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free?’†(John 8:33).
And Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free†(John 8:34-36).
The conversation went on as Jesus pointed out lies they had been believing. Like the people Jesus was talking to, we have also believed lies, and those lies have led us into sin. We’ve messed up. We are slaves to sin. And apart from Jesus, we can’t NOT sin.
But when we put our trust in Jesus to set us free, we will be “truly free†(John 8:36). When we belong to God, we are free to live as the people He created us to be. Jesus’s death and resurrection put Satan’s lies to death, and He gives us the opportunity to live in His truth and freedom instead of lies and sin.
We don’t have to seek freedom in our own strength—we’ll never find it there. Freedom is found only in the name of Jesus. • Becca Wierwille
• What lies have been holding your heart lately? Are you ready to ask God to set you free?
• Who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you notice where you might be believing lies? How can you come alongside others when they start to stray from truth? (Galatians 6:1-2)
Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Romans 6:17 (NLT)
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Ps.107
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