Oct. 4: Freedom

Focal Passage: Romans 6:1-14

As Americans, we love the topic of freedom. We celebrate freedom, watch movies about freedom, and sing songs about freedom. Why? Because freedom is a wonderful thing!

I remember when I was a teenager, I could not wait to get my driver’s license. When I was in high school, having a driver’s license felt like the ultimate sign of freedom. I imagined going wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and staying as long as I wanted. I would no longer need my parents to take me places. I would finally be free!

I quickly discovered, however, that my parents had a different understanding of my newfound freedom. Apparently, having a driver’s license also meant running errands, picking things up from the store, and driving my siblings places. I thought freedom meant doing whatever I wanted. My parents understood that my freedom came with a new responsibility.

Romans 6 teaches us something far greater about the freedom we have received through Jesus Christ.

Paul explains that those who belong to Christ have been set free from the dominion of sin. Before Christ, sin was our master. We were enslaved to it and unable to free ourselves from its power. But through the death and resurrection of Jesus, believers have been given new life. Paul says, “Our old self was crucified with him … so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”

This language should remind us of the Exodus. God’s people were once slaves under Pharaoh in Egypt. They could not free themselves, so God intervened. Through His mighty power, He delivered them from bondage and brought them out of Egypt.

But God did not free Israel so they could simply live however they wanted. He delivered them so they could belong to Him, worship Him, obey Him, and display His glory among the nations.

The same principle is true for followers of Jesus.

We have not been set free from sin so that we can continue living in it. In fact, Paul begins Romans 6 by asking, “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?” His answer is emphatic: “By no means!”

Christian freedom is not the freedom to sin without consequences. It is freedom from sin’s dominion so that we are now able to live for God.

Paul therefore tells believers, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body.” Sin is no longer our master. Through Christ, we belong to someone new. We have been set free from slavery to sin and have become servants of righteousness.

That means our freedom should lead us toward holiness.

We do not fight sin in order to earn God’s acceptance. We fight sin because, through Christ, we have already been accepted and given new life. In the power of the Holy Spirit, we can put sinful habits to death and increasingly become more like Jesus.

Follower of Jesus, you have been set free! Do not willingly return to the chains Christ broke. Use your freedom to worship, obey, serve, and glorify the One who rescued you.

As you reflect on Romans 6, ask yourself:

• What sin have I tolerated that I need to put to death?

• Am I using my freedom to serve God or satisfy myself?

• What area of my life still needs to be surrendered to Christ?

Sin is no longer your master. You belong to Jesus. Walk in the freedom He has given you. B&R