Study
Believers’ Freedom in Christ
Bro. Paulson Joshua, Kochi
1) Teaching of Jesus Christ about the Freedom He Gives.
Jesus Christ taught about the freedom He offers to those who follow Him, emphasizing liberation from sin, fear, and spiritual bondage. In John 8:31-32, He said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
This profound statement highlights that true freedom comes from knowing and living out His teachings. Jesus came to free us from the power of sin and the guilt it brings, offering forgiveness and a new beginning.
2) Practical Ways a Believer Enjoys Freedom in Christ.
i. Freedom to Worship (John 4:24). Enjoy praising Him by singing and Bible reading with prayer and personal worship without fear. "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
ii. Freedom to Serve Others (Galatians 5:13). Helping others in their needs with food and money and acts of kindness. "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
iii. Freedom to Share the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). Telling others about Jesus and teaching them about faith. "Go and make disciples of all nations."
iv. Freedom from Guilt and Shame (Romans 8:1) Living free from the burden of past mistakes, knowing God forgives. "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
v. Freedom to Live a Holy Life (1 Peter 1:15-16) Making good choices that reflect God’s standards. "He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct."
vi. Freedom in Prayer (Hebrews 4:16) Praying confidently, knowing God listens and answers. "Approach God’s throne of grace with confidence."
vii. Freedom to Experience Joy and Peace (Philippians 4:4, 7) Feeling peace and joy no matter what’s happening around you. "The peace of God... will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
viii. Freedom in Using Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Using talents like teaching the word of God, evangelizing, and counselling to serve others for enlightenment to others. "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all."
ix. Freedom to Forgive Others (Colossians 3:13). Letting go of bitterness and forgiving those who hurt you. "Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
x. Freedom to Make Godly Choices (Romans 12:2) Making decisions based on God’s will, not just on what others say. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
xi. Freedom to Love Unconditionally (1 John 4:7-8). Showing love and kindness to everyone, no matter who they are. "Let us love one another, for love comes from God."
xii. Freedom to Live Fearlessly (2 Timothy 1:7). Living without fear, knowing God is in control. "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
3) Examples of those who enjoyed Freedom.
i. Moses - Freedom to Lead and Serve. Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, serving God and his people with humility and dedication (Exodus 3:10). Despite his initial reluctance and feelings of inadequacy, Moses followed God's calling and led his people to freedom, showing the power of trusting and obeying God.
ii. Joseph - Freedom from Bitterness. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned unjustly, Joseph chose to forgive and serve faithfully wherever he was (Genesis 50:20). Joseph rose to become second in command in Egypt and saved many from famine, demonstrating forgiveness and trust in God's plan.
iii. Daniel - Freedom to Worship and Pray. Even under the threat of death, Daniel continued to pray to God openly and faithfully (Daniel 6:10). Daniel's steadfast faith led to miraculous protection in the lions' den, showing the power of worship and prayer even in dangerous circumstances.
iv. David - Freedom from Guilt and Shame. After his sin with Bathsheba, David repented and experienced God’s forgiveness, continuing to serve as king with a renewed heart (Psalm 51:1-2). David's heartfelt repentance and subsequent renewal illustrate the freedom from guilt and shame that comes with God's forgiveness.
v. Ruth - Freedom to Make Godly Choices. Ruth chose to follow Naomi and the God of Israel, leaving her homeland and embracing a new faith and people (Ruth 1:16). Ruth's loyalty and faith led to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David, showing how godly choices can lead to blessings and fulfillment.
vi. Esther - Freedom to Stand Courageously. Esther risked her life to save her people from destruction, demonstrating courage and faith in God's deliverance (Esther 4:16). Esther's bravery and strategic action led to the salvation of the Jewish people in Persia.
vii. Nehemiah - Freedom to Rebuild and Restore. Nehemiah led the efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, trusting in God's provision and protection (Nehemiah 2:17). Nehemiah's leadership and faith in God enabled the successful rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, restoring the city's dignity and security.
viii. Hannah - Freedom in Prayer. Hannah fervently prayed for a child and, upon receiving her son Samuel, dedicated him to God’s service (1 Samuel 1:27-28). Hannah's heartfelt prayers and faith resulted in her being blessed with Samuel, who became a great prophet.
This freedom manifests the courage to worship openly, the grace to forgive others, and the strength to endure hardships with joy. It also empowers us to serve others selflessly, make godly choices, and live without fear or shame.
By embracing these freedoms, believers can navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing they are supported by God's unwavering love and guidance. This means prioritizing prayer, worship, and Scripture study, trusting in God’s plan, and making decisions that reflect His will. G&P
