"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
If you've seen the SOUND OF FREEDOM movie, based on Tim Ballard's true story, you'll realize how crucial it is to understand Paul's reference to GALATIANS 5. The movie exposes the sin and stain of the $180 billion trafficking industry (much of which afflicts children in the US) that often begins subtly on internet sites. This horrific travesty is one sin we should all desire to eradicate. If you have children, I implore you to monitor sites they visit and ask questions.
Freedom in Christ contrasts the bondage of any and all sin, available to each of us. ROMANS 6:20-23 tells us, "When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
The entrapment of sin keeps us separated from the true freedom that Christ provides. By accepting and knowing Him, freedom will last on into eternal life. The apostle Paul shows us how to live our lives as Christ’s servants. It’s a profound paradox. We desire to live and serve Him because we've been set free from our sins, through salvation. The freedom we receive from Christ doesn't mean we're free from our sin nature, though. Each day we can repent, receive forgiveness, and strive to do better, making Godly choices.
If you're struggling with sin and feeling separation, call (203) 846-4626 and talk to a compassionate CHRISTIAN COUNSELING CENTER counselor. We’ll help guide you towards freedom from sin's bondage.
