The Elusive Prize of the Maturing Christ-Follower
As we mature in Christ, More Christ-like thoughts, emotions, and actions become ingrained. My question for the Lord is this: “How can I see greater progress toward this end, where my old self is completely dead, and my Christ-led self is consistently surrendered to the Holy Spirit?” Is this a difficult mountain to climb? For you, maybe not. However, for me, it appears like Mount Everest. INGRAINED The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ingrained as “forming a part of the essence or inmost being: deep-seated.” Its second definition: “worked into the grain or fiber,” also resonates. I know deep within my heart and soul that Christ has transformed me. I am also acutely aware that my flesh does not want to die fully. It resurrects itself in opposition to the complete surrender I sincerely want. As I strive to be an obedient Christ-follower, the Apostle Paul’s phrase, “But what I hate I do,” often comes to mind. Does this thought resonate with you? “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” Romans 7:14-25 NIV Yes! “For in my inner being I delight in God’s law” is so true. Thank God the mountain is not mine to climb. Christ ascended. His feat inspires me and shows me there are hills and valleys, but the journey is possible with Christ as my expert guide. GOD’S PART: HIS SOLUTION I am given hope for this situation, without which I would surely become dejected and discouraged and give up on the quest for ever-improving Christ-like thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I’m very grateful that Romans 8 and onward solved my dilemma—this war within me between my “old man” and my “new creation.” “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 NIV Onward and upward! This scripture reminds me that I am no longer a slave to sin, but am a child of God. I wrote about this last month. You can read more about our freedom in Christ here: https://muellerd.substack.com/p/whom-the-son-sets-free. My dialogue with Christ is transcribed as follows: “Lord, what do you want me to know about this duality, and how can I instill more of your thoughts, behaviors, and actions in me?” Here’s the response I sensed from Christ: “Child, it is about progress, not perfection. Someday, you will be with me in heaven. Then, you will not have to deal with your sinful nature. Until then, it will humble you, and humility is of great worth as you go about your day, serving me.” As we seek deeper transformation in Christ, we must recognize that our continuous growth journey requires us to strive against our sinful nature. In Galatians, we’re given a further solution to this constant pull toward gratifying our carnal desires. Like climbing a hill, if we’re going to continue on this path that leads us upwards, we must keep going. Giving up is not an option for those who will make it over the summit. The Holy Spirit is my expert sherpa. “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Galatians 5:16-17 NIV This passage vividly illustrates the ongoing battle between Spirit and flesh. We are encouraged to live by the Spirit's guidance. To the degree that we do, is the degree we overcome sinful desires. God climbed the mountain we could not climb. The resurrection of Christ and the complete pardon for my sins past, present, and future do for me what I can’t do for myself. That was God’s part in this flesh versus spirit battle. But we have our part to play. We can not sit on the side of the path waiting, looking at the hill to climb, and wondering how to get over it. I must get up, and start walking. On my journey, I have a right leg and a left leg. These two legs, working together, will keep me on Christ’s path for me. They will do the same for you. Here they are:
RIGHT LEG: RESIST Our pushback on our sinful flesh will remain a worthy challenge. The Apostle Paul's struggles described in Romans 7 resonate with devout believers experiencing the natural internal conflict between their spiritual aspirations and human inclinations. “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:9-10 NIV This scripture calls us to abandon our old, sinful ways and highlights the continual renewal process that shapes us into the image of Christ. If obedience demands truthfulness with others, how much more so do we have to be truthful with ourselves? Tell the truth about your struggles. Practically speaking, that means sharing them with God in daily quiet times, sharing with one or more spiritual advisors, and sharing with our spouse or significant other. We need to be transparent to hold ourselves accountable. Many of the most outwardly-appearing Christ-followers and Christ-leaders “put themselves” under pseudo-accountability by failing to be transparent and share their deep struggles. It sounds good to the public, but in reality, there is no accountability at all. Here is a saying worth remembering: “We are only as sick as our secrets.” Share your flesh struggles with God and others. Don’t keep them to yourself. Confession is cathartic and cleansing. Using the hill-climbing metaphor, I must tell my sherpa guide if I run out of oxygen. If I wait too long, I will die. So too, if you harbor secret struggles, you’ll get worn out spiritually. Many well-known Christian pastors and leaders in history have had devastating, career-ending failures due to burn-out, which leads to moral failure. The news-worthy falls are just the tip of the iceberg of pastoral and ministry leader failures. It is an epidemic due to this very issue: Secrets. Push back by sharing what you are going through with God and others in the battle of flesh versus the Holy Spirit. Gain a mentor, advisor, or coach to talk to. We are a safe place to turn as you battle in the spiritual realm. LEFT LEG: SURRENDER In answering the call to become more like Christ, we must surrender everything to Him. One way that leads us to surrender is to immerse ourselves in scripture, for it is through God's Word that we find strength, guidance, and the promise of transformation. The Bible is replete with passages showing how to become more aligned with Christ's likeness. God’s Word offers great hope and practical guidance and refreshes us on our journey. One passage that comes to mind is Philippians, Chapter 2, where Paul exhorts us. “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13 NIV This scripture underscores the dynamic partnership between our efforts and God's work within, emphasizing transformation is a shared responsibility. CONCLUSION Christ has made the impossible climb for me, but I have hills to transverse, and I need to move my legs, one foot in front of the other, one step at a time. Left. Right. Left. Right. If we don’t do our part, God may not intervene or act to bring about the change we long to see. Yes, the end result is entirely up to God and a testament to His power working through us. However, we must do our part and earnestly desire to be changed by Christ by walking in surrender, and strength. I must move my legs to go in the direction Christ desires. Becoming totally Christ-like is akin to ascending the Mount Everest of salvation. It is impossible for us mortals. The amazing fact is Christ ascended there and beyond. He now sits at the right hand of God our Father, on most high. Through His Holy Spirit, He equips us with a sherpa to guide us. We can make it over the little hills and valleys we are called to transverse if we take these two steps, one after another after another. Left. Right. Left. Push back. Surrender. Push back. Surrender. Our journey is filled with the promise of divine assistance and transformation. Let us hold fast to scriptures such as Philippians 2:12-13, Galatians 5:16-17, and Colossians 3:9-10, for they offer the wisdom and encouragement we need to progress in our spiritual journey, despite the inevitable hills we encounter. Christ’s transformation of us will create ingrained change. The elusive prize of the maturing Christ-follower, Christ-likeness, will materialize if we intentionally push back against sin and surrender in every deepening way to Christ. Enjoy your walk with our Lord! May you travel well. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. April 14, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate conversations with Christ. Biblical Success Strategies and Tactics for Gaining Greater Self-Control
I often try to practice self-discipline and self-control. At times, I succeed, and at times, I fail. As I’ve explored this topic, God has been teaching me the deeper meaning of this well-known prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” - The Serenity Prayer So much of my sanctification journey in Christ has been about surrender. “Letting go and letting God” had been a recurring theme. But now, I see I have a big part to play in this process. Not only do I have to let go of trying to control people, places, and things, but I also need to courageously change the one thing I can change more than any other: Me! We need greater self-control and self-discipline to control the “controller” inside of us. Therefore, let’s turn to the perfect source to gain wisdom on this subject, and see what God’s Holy Word says. To begin my study of this topic, I looked up over thirty New Testament scriptures that addressed the subject and selected the top eight for more in-depth reflection and inspiration. THE SOURCE OF SELF-DISCIPLINE The foundational truth is that God is the source of all self-discipline. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV This verse directly links the gift of the Holy Spirit to the capacity for self-discipline, indicating it as a divine attribute bestowed upon believers. It is a profound testament to the nature of the Holy Spirit's work within us. Self-discipline is not a mere human effort but a divine endowment. Because self-discipline wholly relies on the Holy Spirit's influence, our surrender to Christ is called for in ever-increasing measures. This dismantles my misconception that self-control and self-discipline are about my power and will. Biblical self-control is not reliant on human willpower. We must have the transformative power that comes from God Himself. Thus, self-discipline emerges as a manifestation of the Spirit's presence in our lives. It is a clear indicator of our spiritual condition. Conversely, a lack of self-discipline and self-control indicates spiritual and mental problems that need to be addressed. This may sound harsh, but it is true. Too often, I excuse my lack in these areas as “that is just how I am,” not realizing that they are, in fact, poor excuses I used to let myself off the hook of engaging with Christ in an ever greater level of trust and surrender. When we demonstrate self-control and self-discipline, we are displaying a characteristic imparted to us by God. This realization fosters a deeper understanding. Attaining this is not a result of personal or moral achievement but a sign of living in alignment with the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and guidance. The degree to which I see these traits in my life is the degree to which I can see myself as fully surrendered to Christ. If you are anything like me, we have a long road ahead in this sanctification process, which culminates as we enter Heaven. Ah, that glorious day! BE-DO-HAVE vs. HAVE-DO-BE The call to action is for us to “be” self-controlled. Unfortunately, I often operate on the cognitive distortion of “have-do-be” thinking. Once I “have” my life in better order, and I am less busy and stressed, then I will “do” those things that involve self-discipline and self-control, and then I will “be” where God wants me to be. Wrong! What scripture tells us is that it is “Be-Do-Have.” "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." - 1 Peter 1:13 NIV This passage calls for mental readiness and self-control now. I can’t delay this to some point in the future when I am “ready.” We must be willing to be uncomfortable in order to answer this mandate and endure the pain of self-denial. I like being comfortable and tend to avoid things that take me out of my comfort zone. However, “No pain, no gain” is my experience. NO PAIN, NO GAIN! Ask any sports athlete, and they will quote you this slogan when reflecting on what it takes to achieve peak performance. "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 NIV This verse acknowledges the challenge of discipline and its fruitful outcome, aligning with the concept that God values and rewards self-discipline. And of course, the classic verse to inspire us to have the discipline of an athlete is the Apostle Paul’s famous race metaphor: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV Paul speaks of disciplining his body to maintain integrity and effectiveness in his ministry, illustrating personal self-control. Every time I read this, I get motivated to push myself harder, deny my earthly desires, and surrender to Christ. Allow this metaphor of an athlete's discipline to encourage your spiritual endeavors in pursuit of eternal rewards. THE GREAT TECHNIQUE: “JUST SAY NO!” Here is the best technique I know to achieve all we have discussed: “Just say no!” “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14 NIV There is a tremendous power in the word “no.” What we did not want to hear as children we must now tell ourselves as adults. This is where we transition from milk to meat, from adolescence into maturity as Christ-followers. We know what to do. We need to do it by saying “no,” denying ourselves, and being self-controlled. "Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;" - 2 Peter 1:5-6 NIV Peter outlines a progression of virtues that begins with faith and includes self-control as essential for spiritual growth and godliness. Sanctification is a progressive process that leads us to every more godly behavior. THE FRUIT OF SELF-DISCIPLINE Allowing the Holy Spirit to control us through daily, moment-by-moment surrender bears great fruit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23 NIV Self-control is a component of the Spirit's fruit, which places it at the heart of Christian character and moral living. CONCLUSION To achieve self-control and self-discipline, we must:
Above all, let’s take our “self” out of self-discipline and self-control. May we give all credit and glory to the Holy Spirit who empowers us to follow in the footsteps of Christ Jesus our Lord. May we use these biblical success strategies and tactics in our sanctification journey? Travel well. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. April 08, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate conversations with Christ. Overcomming Temptations
TURNED AROUND Have you ever been turned around in a mall and lost track of where you entered? You want to leave and return to your car but don’t know the way out. Similarly, have you ever been lost in a repetitive sin and could not find the way out of that sin? God is never surprised by our struggles. Since Adam and Eve, people have struggled with sin. The good news is that God has given us a way out of the sin dilemma. “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 BACK TRACING OUR STEPS “How did we get into this sin in the first place?” is a good first question to ask. For me, overeating is a recurring sin that I can trace back to childhood. I grew up in a poor family, where mom and dad struggled to put food on the table. There was not much of it, and we routinely finished everything on our plate. Me and my younger sister and brother tried clever ways of giving away the vegetables we did not like. We tried hiding them under an overturned potato skin, which often did not work. A surefire solution was to slip the food under the table to our black beagle, Gypsy, who was a willing culprit in our caper. We, kids, shed tears at the table as we were demanded to finish everything on our plates. To this day, this is my custom. Hungry or not, wanting the food or not, I finish everything. And then, sometimes going looking for more. Of course, dessert is also a factor, and I crave those empty calories more than I care to admit. Some of you have a sweet tooth. I have a whole set of “sweet teeth.” Once I start eating anything with sugar in it, I find it hard to stop until my belly is full. And if you haven’t figured it out by now, my belly is much bigger than it ought, with plenty of room for unneeded “sinful” sustenance. What is your recurring sin? Can you perhaps trace it back to something in your childhood? It does not matter how the apple got eaten. We can blame Eve. We can blame Adam. All that really counts is that it was, in fact, consumed against God’s will. They rebelled, just like we still do to this day. But God has given us a way out of this rebellion. When we are tempted, we do have a solution. FINDING THE WAY OUT The first step in getting out of the mall is to look for the exit signs. We can also ask for help, or stop and look at a map. So, too, there is a way out of our recurring sinful behavior. God has given us a solution. It is up to us to “want” to find the way out. If we still desire to stay and shop, even though we know we should be leaving, our half-hearted effort to find the exit will probably not be successful. And even if we locate the way we came in, plenty of stores nearby can call our name, tempting us to stay a little while longer. So, the first step in escaping my sinful behavior is to desire it truly. It is not easy for me to want to give up sweets. I know that is the right thing to do. I have learned this lesson dozens of times over the years. Once I start eating them, I don’t want to stop. The temptation of having them in front of me is very difficult to bear. But watch out. Once I take that first bite, I am off to the races and my “diet” is a distant memory. I must truly come to a place of genuine desire to resist the temptation. Then, I need to ask for help from the right source. ASKING FOR HELP I can tell you that the wrong source of help is my wife, who loves to shop, buys delicious sweets for the family, and fully expects me to be a grown adult and limit my intake. Patty wants me to demonstrate the same self-control she and the family have in abundance. For example, a gallon of ice cream can last in the freezer for a month, until I think to look inside. Making that discovery is a great joy, followed a few days later by remorse as the ice cream is gone, and my scale tells me I’ve gained a few pounds. Patty and I just came back from an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica. It was heaven because sweets were everywhere, and it was “all you can eat” all the time. So of course, I did. No, I did not ask for help, because I did not want it. I would have gotten funny looks from the resort staff if I tried to garner their support. After all, why do you come to an “all you can eat” place to eat just some of what you can eat? When we returned home yesterday, and the scale delivered the bad news, I asked the right source for help. Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is the way out. His death and resurrection paved the way for His Holy Spirit to dwell inside each Christ-follower. We have a way out if we call on the Holy Spirit for help. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8 NIV By earnestly turning to the Holy Spirit in prayer, we open ourselves to divine assistance that surpasses our human limitations. It's not merely about exerting more self-control or willpower but recognizing our dependency on the Spirit's power to transform and renew our minds and hearts. RELYING ON THE SPIRIT “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 NIV The Holy Spirit produces qualities that are not attainable through human effort alone. Self-control, one of the fruits of the Spirit, is critical in overcoming temptations and sinful habits. This supernatural self-control is a gift, cultivated as we live by the Spirit and yield to His leading. RENEWING OUR MIND The battle against sin is often fought in the mind. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 NIV By renewing our minds with God’s Word and truths, we align our thoughts and desires with His. This transformation is pivotal for recognizing the way out when faced with temptation. PUTTING ON THE ARMOR OF GOD Equipping ourselves with the armor of God is essential for spiritual warfare. "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:11-12 NIV This includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. Each piece of armor provides protection and strength to stand firm against temptation. MAKING NO PROVISION FOR THE FLESH To avoid recurring sin, we must be proactive about not making provision for the flesh. “Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness." Romans 6:12-13 NIV This means avoiding situations, habits, or environments that tempt us to sin. Instead, we offer ourselves to God, seeking to live in righteousness. CONCLUSION Finding the way out of temptation is not a journey we undertake alone. It involves a sincere desire to change, reliance on the Holy Spirit, transformation through renewing our mind, spiritual readiness with the armor of God, and practical steps to avoid temptation. Self-discipline is a big part of the “way out” for me. Yes, I rely on the Holy Spirit, but Christ wants me to do my part. In the words of the Apostle Paul: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV In Christ Jesus, we have been given everything we need for life and godliness, including the way to resist sin. Through His grace and power, we can overcome and live in the freedom He has won for us. Your aspiring servant and fellow runner Daniel M. Let’s run to win! April 05, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate conversations with Christ. Top Ten Freedoms We Have in Christ
There is tremendous freedom in Christ–much more so than we may believe. Human nature drives us to create a highly detailed list of “do’s and don’ts” that are well-meaning attempts to prevent sin in the life of a Christ-follower. We hear a lot of this in Sunday sermons. Less often taught from the pulpit, our freedom in Christ is a scary proposition for pastors and ministry leaders charged with our care. There is often fear as an underlying motive for glossing over the subject. Would church members behave in an orderly way if they knew how much freedom they had? This question led me to answer: “What is the absolute extent of our freedom in Christ?” Here is a “Top Ten” list of freedoms I believe we have in Christ. Please feel free to respond and tell me which others I have missed.
"Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11 NIV We are free to engage daily with Scripture, embracing our God-given freedom to seek truth and challenge others’ interpretations of the Bible. We can not trust the interpretation of the Bible by those who may unknowingly be limiting our freedom. 2. FREE FROM HUMAN INTERPRETATIVE AUTHORITY While we respect the role of teachers and pastors, we hold that no human has ultimate authority over the interpretation of Scripture; Christ alone can do this. "As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him." 1 John 2:27 NIV Our confidence rests in the anointing of the Holy Spirit, granting us discernment and understanding of the Bible. 3. FREE TO CONFIDENTLY APPROACH GOD We are free to come into the very presence of the blessed Triune Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12 NIV and “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV As we enter intentionally into the presence of Christ, we receive tremendous blessings. This daily discipline requires time specifically set aside to sit in the presence of the Almighty God. 4. FREE TO SEEK GOD’S WISDOM We are free to seek God’s wisdom, directly from God, the final authority on all that is wise and unwise. "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5 NIV God invites us to seek His wisdom shamelessly. God, the ultimate source of all wisdom and truth, willingly guides us in understanding His Word. We do not need a priestly or pastoral intermediary. 5. FREE TO LIVE UNBURDENED BY THE LAW God gave us a New Covenant. "For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:2 NIV Christ's sacrifice fulfilled the law, liberating us from its penalties and enabling us to live in the newness of the Spirit. 6. FREE FROM CONDEMNATION Christ-followers are freed from condemnation, which the law could not accomplish, giving us the boldness to live righteously for God. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 NIV This profound declaration reaffirms that our standing before God is not based on adherence to the Law but on our true identity in Christ Jesus. 7. FREE TO BEAR FRUIT We are free to produce fruit that reflects our transformation in Christ, fruit not grown from our human effort but springing forth from God’s Holy Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 NIV This freedom reveals the true evidence of the Spirit's work within us, transcending the Law, and manifesting the richness of God's grace. 8. FREE TO SERVE IN LOVE Our freedom in Christ is not a license for self-indulgence but an invitation to serve one another in love. "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 We are free to think of others more highly than we think of ourselves, and free to love all without fear of that love not being returned. 9. FREE TO BE LED BY THE SPIRIT As believers, we are given the Holy Spirit to teach us and reveal the truths of God’s Word, allowing us personal communion and understanding. "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26 NIV This promise implies that the interpretation of God’s Word is not confined to human authority but is made alive in us through the Spirit’s teaching. 10. FREE TO REST IN GOD'S GRACE We are free to rest in the assurance of God's grace, knowing that our salvation and standing before God are not based on our efforts but on Christ's complete and finished work on the cross. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV This freedom allows us to live in peace, knowing we are eternally secure in God's love and grace. It liberates us from the anxiety of trying to earn God's favor through our actions and invites us to trust the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice fully. In this rest, we find the strength to face life's challenges and the motivation to serve God out of gratitude, not obligation. Our identity and value are anchored in what Jesus has done for us, freeing us to live joyful, purposeful lives dedicated to His glory. CONCLUSION In exploring these scriptures, we begin to grasp the breadth and depth of our freedom in Christ. This vast freedom invites us to live unburdened by the law, serve in love, bear spiritual fruit, and live free from condemnation. It is a freedom that should be explored, celebrated, and lived out in the full expression of faith, joy, and love. Let us embrace the tremendous freedom we have in Christ! Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. March 29, 2024 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate conversations with Christ. |
Daily
|