Spiritual Freedom Series

Spiritual Freedom

We as Americans believe that Freedom is the birthright of every person. It makes no difference whether a person is born rich or poor. It makes no difference whether a person is red – yellow – black or white. It makes no difference what gender a person is. It makes no difference whether a person is uneducated or has all kinds of degrees on his wall – they all deserve to be free.

A person may never own a foot of land – they may only own the clothes on their backs – but they have every right to experience freedom. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is a statement made in our Declaration of Independence and we – as Americans – hold these values very highly. Every American deserves to be free.

The Bible teaches us:

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (HCSB)

The freedom talked about here is more than political freedom. It is a freedom which only God can give and it arrives when the Spirit of the Lord arrives. It is spiritual freedom – it is freedom from the chains of sin.

It is true that all people have a right to freedom – but it is also true that you will not experience true freedom until you experience “the Spirit of the Lord”. For – “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Spiritual freedom is the most powerful freedom that there is – it is the freedom of being free from sin.

How many of us have felt the grip of sin in our lives? How many of us have felt the oppression that sin can cause? How many of us have felt guilt – and remorse because of sin? I would venture to say that all of us have felt the bonds of sin at one time or another. We have all been slaves to sin. But - “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Friend – let there be no doubt in your mind that God has the power to set you free. He has the power to set you free from the slavery of sin. He has the power to set you free from the penalty of sin. He has the power to set you free from the guilt of sin. He has the power to set you free from the dominion of sin. May we never forget – “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Let us now examine more closely what true freedom consists of. It consists of:

1. Freedom from the SLAVERY OF SIN

Words seem inadequate to describe the bondage of sin. Some of you know exactly what I am talking about. Ropes and chains would be simple constraints compared to cruel constraints that sin lays upon us. Some of you know the misery that I am speaking of. Of all the bondage and slavery in this world – there is none more horrible than the slavery of sin. Tell the Hebrew captive to make bricks then deny him any straw. Tell the debtor that he owes more money than he can make in a lifetime – then multiply it by tenfold. Tell the sinner that the wages of sin is death - then go on to explain that it is eternal death. The burden would be too much to bear – he would sink into the abyss of depression too heavy to see any hope. Sin does the same to the sinner. How shall I escape? How shall I be forgiven?

I think I have seen such persons. There is never a smile upon their face. Dark clouds have gathered on their brow. He groans – he sighs – tears have dug furrows on his face. Hope is lost. Hope is no-where to be seen. Help seems impossible to find. He feels that no-one could love a poor creature like himself.

But here is the good news Folks – God does not leave us slaves to sin.

For:

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (HCSB)

Jesus said:

“If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NKJV)

If the Son frees you – you have passed through the Slough of Despond and are now standing on solid ground. You have walked through the valley of the shadow of death – and have received life – eternal life though the Son – Jesus Christ. The chains of sin have been broken – for you are free – free indeed. We cry, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24 (NKJV) But now we know the answer – the Son of Man can make us free – it is none other than Jesus Christ Himself.