The Slavery that FREES
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace
Freedom is a precious thing. People throughout history have prayed, fought, and even died for it. Our declaration of independence upholds it as one of our inalienable rights.
But the truth is, no matter what one's political situation might be, everyone is a slave-either to sin or God. Jesus said " everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin" (John 8:34). Paul added that all of creation is in slavery to corruption (Rom 8:21). However, believers have "been freed from sin and enslaved to God" (Rom 6:22).
The Roman Empire had as many as twenty million slaves; slave trade was a major industry. For a slave to gain his or her freedom, a redemption price had to be paid. The Greek word for such a transaction is lutroo, which Paul uses in Ephesians 1:7 to speak of our "redemption" from sin's bondage.
Slavery to sin is bondage; slavery to God is freedom. That sounds paradoxical, but God is a Sovereign King, and true freedom means having the ability to bend your will to His and thereby becoming all He created you to be. Even though you will fail at times, your greatest desire and highest pursuit as a believer is to be like Christ (1 John 2:5-6) Those enslaved to sin cannot do that, nor do they want to.
Today you will have many opportunities to demonstrate your submission to Christ. Let your attitude and actions speak clearly of your love for the Master.
Thank the Lord that He is faithful and just Master who always does what is best for His servants. Ask the Lord to guard you from thoughts and actions that are contrary to His will.
For further study:
What key characteristic is required of a servant of Christ? (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)
How does Jesus describe a wise servant? (Matthew 24:42-51)
How did Jesus demonstrate the heart of a servant? (Phillippians 2:5-11)
What implications does His example have for your life?
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace
Freedom is a precious thing. People throughout history have prayed, fought, and even died for it. Our declaration of independence upholds it as one of our inalienable rights.
But the truth is, no matter what one's political situation might be, everyone is a slave-either to sin or God. Jesus said " everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin" (John 8:34). Paul added that all of creation is in slavery to corruption (Rom 8:21). However, believers have "been freed from sin and enslaved to God" (Rom 6:22).
The Roman Empire had as many as twenty million slaves; slave trade was a major industry. For a slave to gain his or her freedom, a redemption price had to be paid. The Greek word for such a transaction is lutroo, which Paul uses in Ephesians 1:7 to speak of our "redemption" from sin's bondage.
Slavery to sin is bondage; slavery to God is freedom. That sounds paradoxical, but God is a Sovereign King, and true freedom means having the ability to bend your will to His and thereby becoming all He created you to be. Even though you will fail at times, your greatest desire and highest pursuit as a believer is to be like Christ (1 John 2:5-6) Those enslaved to sin cannot do that, nor do they want to.
Today you will have many opportunities to demonstrate your submission to Christ. Let your attitude and actions speak clearly of your love for the Master.
Thank the Lord that He is faithful and just Master who always does what is best for His servants. Ask the Lord to guard you from thoughts and actions that are contrary to His will.
For further study:
What key characteristic is required of a servant of Christ? (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)
How does Jesus describe a wise servant? (Matthew 24:42-51)
How did Jesus demonstrate the heart of a servant? (Phillippians 2:5-11)
What implications does His example have for your life?
posted by Jordan R. Foster | 6:51 PM
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