Freedom is a condition which every living being desires. People want to live life without externally imposed restraints. They want to be free to speak, act, choose, think, relate and go about their life without being hindered or controlled. Unfortunately, there are many in one form of limitation or another. Many may be physically free but are spiritual slaves who deep down within desire to be free. True spiritual freedom is only to be found in Jesus Christ.
The desire for freedom implies a condition of bondage. It thus means that there exists or existed restraints or yokes that posed a limitation in the person’s life. A yoke ties an ox to a farm equipment and the one who directs the animal directs the path it should follow, the pace and extent of work to be accomplished. This was our spiritual situation under the control of Satan before Jesus set us free from the yoke of sin and satan’s grip.
Jesus Christ offers freedom to those who are willing
Jesus freed our spirit, souls and bodies from the control of sin and satan. The freedom that Jesus has given us is meant to enable us live lives of peace built on faith and devoid of fear, worry and anxiety. Freedom promotes a boundless flourishing and exciting life. Freedom carries responsibility. According to human basics.org, freedom prevents domination, oppression and respectlessness.
Romans 8:1-3,6 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. [3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: [6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [2] But his delight is in the law of the Lord ; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. [3] And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Freedom comes at a price, such is paid by others or the one who fought to be set free. Those who demand for and strive for freedom will get it. You cannot fold your hands and expect to be free. Jesus paid the price for our spiritual freedom, it is only up to you to embrace it. Jesus’ death and resurrection ensured that those who believe have the opportunity to be saved from the stronghold of sin, and the influence of the forces of darkness. This freedom is freely given but it is a choice for those to which it has been offered to either receive or reject it. It is not forced on any
Galatians 5:1,13 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. [13] For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
We have been freed from the dictates of the flesh and as such are new creatures in Christ. The yoke of bondage of the enemy has been broken from our lives, we have freedom and liberty in Jesus Christ
2 Corinthians 5:15-17 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. [16] Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. [17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Galatians 4:3-7 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: [4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, [5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. [6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. [7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
John 8:34-36 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. [35] And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. [36] If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Though we are free, we are servants or slaves of righteousness
Romans 6:16-19 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. [18] Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. [19] I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
We are agents of freedom
Christians are not only delivered by Jesus Christ to enjoy spiritual freedom but He has also empowered them to become agents of freedom themselves. This is actualised by making the saving power of the Gospel known to the unsaved and standing in the place of intercession against satanic powers and reaching out to wrest souls from hands the doldrums of the devil in the name of Jesus Christ. An agent does not operate in his own authority, he is representative of a higher entity. Christians are ambassadors of Christ, they live and operate in that name.
Matthew 10:7-8 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. [8] Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
We have not been saved for ourselves alone, we have been saved and empowered to become agents to point others towards Jesus Christ and to bring down the strongholds of Satan. We have become partakers of the Divine nature and world changers. You must be an agent of change wherever you find yourself, you must must facilitate freedom and it must be without quest for monetary benefits or self promotion, it must be solely for the glory of God.
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, [3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: [4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Christians must walk in the freedom made possible through Jesus Christ in order to be agents of freedom themselves. When a Christian live genuinely as God’s ambassador, he/she becomes a vessel in God’s hands to help facilitate spiritual freedom for others. You cannot walk secretly in the ways of evil and refer to yourself as God’s agent. We must first be submitted and surrendered totally unto God. Without submission unto God you cannot be an agent that can be used to set others free.
Apostle Paul, a man who strongly opposed Christians and greatly persecuted the church became a vessel for setting souls free after he himself encountered Jesus Christ
Acts 26:16-18 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; [17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, [18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Walk in the grace of the power of Jesus Christ. We can only successfully function as vessels of freedom only when we abide in Jesus’ authority and submit to the Holy Spirit. Plug into the Source of existence and remain united with Him.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Matthew 12:22-28 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. [23] And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? [24] But when the Pharisees heard it , they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. [25] And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: [26] And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? [27] And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. [28] But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
Put on the whole armour of God
In walking in this freedom made possible through Jesus Christ, you will encounter opposition, Jesus Christ encountered opposition spiritually and physically. The devil tempted Him right after He had just completed a 40-day fast in the wilderness. Be alert, fight the good fight of faith, arm yourself with the whole armour of God.
Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places . [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand
It is a great honour and privilege to be an agent of deliverance. The power of the finished work on the cross and the Holy Spirit at work on our behalf make this possible.
Luke 10:19-20 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. [20]Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
You have been given power, use it!
Jeremiah 1:10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.
Do not be intimidated, seek direction and help from the Holy Spirit. You have been endued with power to stand and overcome as well as destroy the limiting antics of the enemy.
Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
You are free in Jesus Christ, do not compromise that freedom by wilfully embracing sin. Celebrate He who made your spiritual freedom possible, be an effectual agent of freedom and point others to it.