Memory Verse -
But
the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There
is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23
Can You Buy
Freedom or Peace?
God sent Him (His Son, Jesus) to buy freedom for us who were
slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. And
because we are His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our
hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no
longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are His child, God has made
you His heir. Galatians 4:5-7
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| Celebrate your spiritual freedom! |
Freedom isn’t free. Someone purchases
it…someone gives up something for others to be free. In the United States our
military and police men and women give up their time, talents and often their
homes so that they can safeguard our country. The USA is known for its freedom.
Today we all celebrate that freedom with parades, BBQs and fireworks. It’s time
to gather family and friends to celebrate our liberty once again.
A price has been paid for our spiritual
freedom, too. Jesus paid it all. He obediently went to the cross and died—as a
sacrifice for our sin. When there is sin—someone or something has to pay. With
Adam and Eve, God sacrificed an animal in the Garden of Eden to cover their
shameful nakedness. God gave up His Son for us…Jesus was the sacrifice. Do you think you are without sin?
Consider… For
everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans
3:23. Everyone sins…some worse than others…but everyone has sinned. We can’t
ever stand before God, in His purity and righteousness if we have sinned. So Jesus
took on our sin on Himself when He went to the cross. That means that we can go
before God—pure and sin free. Safely home to God one day. What a great hope.
Christ suffered for our sins once for all
time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God.
He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit. 1
Peter 3:18.
Spiritually,
we are adopted by God. Romans 5:15-17 says, For
you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have
received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba!
Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children
of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ,
if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
As heirs of God we will
receive our “inheritance” from our adopted Heavenly Father. That thought is a
spiritual meal in itself! So much food for thought. What will our inheritance
be? Are you among God’s adopted children? Do you realize that to be His adopted
child is just as easy as confessing your sin, agreeing with God that you are a
sinner—we all are! Then merely asking for His forgiveness, and accepting that
forgiveness. It really is as easy as it sounds, but it takes a decision. What
is your “decision”? What will be your inheritance? Can you buy freedom with
your inheritance? Our freedom has been paid for by Jesus. God sent Him to buy freedom for us.
Is spiritual freedom the same for everyone?
I think not because we are not all at the same level of spiritual maturity. Sin
binds us spiritually—holding us back from spiritual growth. Christ gives us
freedom from sin just as God promised. So we are free. Christ means Messiah.
Jesus is the Messiah for whom the Jews were searching and longing. The Savior.
Who is Jesus Christ to you? Is He your promised Savior?
And now that you belong to Christ, you are
the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God's promise to Abraham
belongs to you. Galatians 3:29
Enjoy your freedom in Christ! He bought our freedom—Rejoice and be glad!
Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Let all who seek You
rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually,
"The LORD be magnified!" Psalm 40:16 NASB
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 9-11
© 2018 Text and
photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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