Seventeen Benefits Of Freedom In Christ

Seventeen Benefits of Freedom in Christ (Gal 5:1-10)

Illustration: Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free. --Galatians 5:1

"Live life without limits with a new El Dorado," said the announcer with confidence. This radio advertisement for a local Cadillac dealer made it sound as if driving a new Cadillac would give you the freedom to do anything your heart desired. Of course, such claims in advertising never really mean all they say. Who ever heard of living life without limits?

Millions, however, think they are doing just that, and most of them don’t even own a Cadillac. They have rejected the authority and relevance of the Bible, claiming that it is outdated. As a result, many believe that extramarital sex, abortion on demand, and homosexual practices are acceptable. People have become their own authority on what is right and wrong. And they call that freedom!

In Galatians 5:13-26, Paul talked about true freedom. It’s not a matter of living any way we want to, but living within Christ’s laws and enjoying the benefits. When we repent of our sin and receive Jesus as our Savior, we are given eternal life, we can have fellowship with God, and we are set free to live according to the Spirit and not the flesh (Rom. 8:4). A life devoted to Jesus Christ is far better than a life without limits could ever be! (Our Daily Bread)

The following are seventeen benefits and blessings and responsibilities found in our freedom in Christ:

1. Know that our freedom in Christ is given not for selfish indulgence, but so through love to help us serve one another. Paul had to remind the carnal Galatians of this fact when he wrote, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

2. Thank God for the freeing power of Christ’s atoning blood to cleanse us from our sin, guilt and the consequences of our iniquities. Showing vocal appreciation to the Lord in prayer and song has a way of reminding us of our riches in Christ. Too many times we forget the great resources that we have in Christ and fail to facilitate the freedoms we possess. (Col. 2:13-15)

3. Focus your attention on God’s purposes, plans and processes rather than on your own interests. When we are focusing our thoughts on things above in actively contributing to the advancement of His church we are able to let go of many non-essential restrictions and concerns. (Col. 3:1-4) We are free to forgive as we have been forgiven. Release others and you will be released.

4. Tell others how the Lord has freed you from compulsive behavior, fear, anger, lust, envy, abuse, bad attitudes and thoughts through the meditation on the scriptures. God’s word has a way of freeing our thoughts from cynical thoughts. Paul wrote, "Scripture is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness so that the person of God could be equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:16,17)

5. Utilize the fact that you are no longer a prisoner to selfish desires. Many people are slaves to their own sinful desires and are not even aware of it. Paul reminded the Roman believers. "Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but yield (make a mental choice) yourselves to God as men who have been brought from death to life and your members to God as instruments of righteousness." (Romans 6:13,14) Everyone has to serve somebody. Choose to serve God instead of yourself. Serving the Lord allows us the freedom to be empowered with His supernatural strength!

6. Appropriate the fact that Christ has freed you from fear. Paul wrote, "God has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love and discipline." (2 Tim. 1:7) God wants us to live lives that are not fearful of anything but Him. "David wrote, "Fear the Lord you His saints, for to those who fear Him there is no want. The young lions lack and suffer hunger, but they who seek the Lord will not be in want of any good thing."

7. Teach others the truths of God’s word. Jesus said, "You will know the truth (really experience it as a lifestyle) and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31,32) The more you apply God’s word the more He will reveal the insights of His greater will for your life. The more you obey the more God will reveal!

8. Only allow God to judge you. Do not give in to the temptation to judge yourself or allow others to judge you by their standards. Paul said, "I do not allow others to judge me and I do not even judge myself." Remember that God’s evaluations, judgments and assessments are the only ones that matter.