Day 12: Freedom in Christ
Day 12: Freedom in Christ
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1
If we wish to experience the breakthrough of freedom, and if we wish to never again place ourselves under the “yoke of slavery,” the apostle Paul says in this text, “STAND FIRM.” This is not a suggestion; it is an imperative! And it is not an isolated command in scripture.
In I Corinthians 16:13 Paul says, “Be watchful, STAND FIRM in the faith, act like men, be strong.” In Philippians 1:27 he says, “that I may hear of you that you are STANDING FIRM in one spirit.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15 says “So then, brothers, STAND FIRM…” Philippians 4:1 says, “Therefore my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, STAND FIRM…”
Standing firm involves a rejection of passivity and yet is it not simply human will power. It is a daily decision that I never want to go back to that old way of life that winds up in the chains of legalism, debt, unforgiveness, unresolved guilt. Standing firm is the decision to choose Grace, which is the empowering presence of God, enabling me to do everything God wants me to do and to be everything He wants me to be.
In I Corinthians 16:13 Paul says, “Be watchful, STAND FIRM in the faith, act like men, be strong.” In Philippians 1:27 he says, “that I may hear of you that you are STANDING FIRM in one spirit.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15 says “So then, brothers, STAND FIRM…” Philippians 4:1 says, “Therefore my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, STAND FIRM…”
Standing firm involves a rejection of passivity and yet is it not simply human will power. It is a daily decision that I never want to go back to that old way of life that winds up in the chains of legalism, debt, unforgiveness, unresolved guilt. Standing firm is the decision to choose Grace, which is the empowering presence of God, enabling me to do everything God wants me to do and to be everything He wants me to be.
Prayer Focus:
This morning, can you name the chains that threaten to bind you? LORD, I ask you to set me free. I cannot free myself, but you can. You are the one who lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to STAND. (Psalm 40:2)
Reflection:
What areas of your life need to be set free by Christ?
Posted in 21 Days of Prayer