For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13 NLT
Here in the United States of America, we celebrate Independence Day on the Fourth of July every year. On July 4, 1776, the United States was birthed as a nation with the Declaration of Independence from British rule.
In the Kingdom of God, we also celebrate our freedom from foreign rule. Christ sets us free from slavery to sin by giving us the Holy Spirit when we believe in Him as Savior.
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.
Romans 8:12 NLT
The power of God liberates us from living sinful lives.
So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.
Galatians 5:1 NLT
The Holy Spirit also sets us free from slavery to the Law.
For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.
Galatians 5:4 NLT
We cannot make ourselves righteous by our own effort. That’s why Christ came to make us righteous by faith in Him.
The one who tries to make himself right by keeping the Law has denied Christ and fallen from grace.
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
Galatians 5:16 NLT
We are free to live our lives independent from sin and slavery to the Law. That does not mean living our lives independent from God. On the contrary, we are to live in harmony and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. God’s will becomes our will. We live to please our Heavenly Father.
Prayer Points
- If you don’t already know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, ask Him into your heart today. For example: “Lord Jesus, I want to know You as my Savior. Forgive me of all my sin. I want to live my life for You with the Holy Spirit in my heart, leading me to live righteously. Amen.”
- If you’re struggling with sin, confess it as such to the Lord and ask Him to set you free.
- If you’re struggling with legalism, being enslaved to rules and regulations about how to live a God pleasing life, ask God to deliver you from a spirit of religion and teach you how to walk with Him in the Spirit.
- Rejoice in your salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus this Independence Day.
But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
Galatians 5:18 NLT
Recommended reading: Romans 8 and Galatians 5.
Igniter Ministries 