For freedom

Galatians 5:1 (ESV) "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

Jesus Christ set us free so we could be free and live free. True freedom is the destination of humanity. God created humanity with a need and longing to be free. Jesus Christ is the only way to experiencing that freedom.

It's difficult to live in a place of freedom. Even after we have been set free from the bonds of the law and from sin and death, we still want to go back to the yoke of slavery. It can feel better to be told what to do and how to live rather than seek out those answers yourself. We like when the Bible clearly spells out the rules for us to follow. Maintaining a relationship with God from a place of freedom is more challenging. No sooner did Israel escape the oppression and bondage of Egypt than they wanted to go back.

If it is Jesus who sets us free to live in freedom, then only Jesus has the power to keep us there. it is only by his Spirit that we can grow and thrive there.

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