Freedom in our country is often misunderstood. We make freedom so high on the priority list that loving God and our neighbor comes lower on the list. Our motto becomes, "its all about me." The problem with this approach to freedom is obvious. True freedom comes because God sets us free. It's not all about me, it's all about God.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (Ephesians 6:11 NIV)
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (Ephesians 6:11 NIV)
Freedom, even in this country, comes with a price. There are enemies of our freedom who want to do harm to people here. As such, we need to protect our citizens from these enemies. The same is true in God's Kingdom. Enemies of God want to harm people in God's Kingdom. We must learn to protect ourselves from these enemies.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV)
These attacks can be as subtle as mind-games. Thoughts can come into our minds that try to pull us away from God and God's design for our lives. We are tempted to listen to the enemy's lies as though they are truth. We consider giving up our freedom in Christ to become slaves to the burdens of sin again.
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (Galatians 5:13 NIV)
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV)
These attacks can be as subtle as mind-games. Thoughts can come into our minds that try to pull us away from God and God's design for our lives. We are tempted to listen to the enemy's lies as though they are truth. We consider giving up our freedom in Christ to become slaves to the burdens of sin again.
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (Galatians 5:13 NIV)
How about you? Do you pursue freedom from God or freedom with God? Do you put on your armor to fight against spiritual enemies of this freedom? Do you look for God's way out when you are tempted? Do you use your freedom to serve one another humbly in love? Are you free?
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