June 1st
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NIV
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 NKJV
Freedom from slavery to sin and addictions starts when we commit our minds to believing we have the freedom that Jesus purchased for us on the cross. Even though Jesus paid for our freedom, it may not manifest in our lives if we don’t claim it in faith.
Faith is more than having head knowledge of what Jesus did for us. Our transformation to the new person in Christ will not become reality until we know “in our hearts” that we really are free in Christ.
Faith is a force that often defies logic and can even appear to violate the laws of nature. Faith dares to believe things that may not be yet visible in our present circumstances. Hebrews 11:1 NKJV states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When we dare to start believing that we are free from sin, even though the battle may not seem to be over, we engage the power of faith. Changes take place in the spiritual realm that clear the path for our freedom to materialize. If we don’t start believing we are free from sin, we may never walk in complete freedom.
We can reinforce our faith for freedom by what we speak. Paul wrote, “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved” (Romans 10:10 NIV). The devil may whisper (or shout) all kinds of lies to us about our situation. We have the choice of agreeing with or rejecting his lies. For example, if we’re confessing “I’ll always be an addict,” or “I’ll never be able to trust myself again,” such statements will cancel out any faith we may have had. Conversely, when we speak faith-filled words like “By Jesus’ stripes I am healed and will walk in victory,” or “I’m set free of the law of sin and death and I’m an over-comer in Christ” our faith will be strengthened accordingly.
Questions for further thought:
What are some sources that will help us grow in our faith? (Romans 10:17, Hebrews 12:2, Hebrews 10:24-25)
What is the potential for us when we stand in faith? (Mark 9:23)
Have you been speaking any “negative confessions” about your situation? What can you do to cancel them out?
Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, thank you for purchasing my freedom from sin on the cross. I desire to live in the reality of this freedom in every area of my life. I confess any ways that I have fallen short in faith in my walk with you. Please forgive me for doubting you and/or your word. Please perfect my faith and strengthen me to stand on it from today forward. I confess right now that I am an over-comer in Jesus Christ. My sin has been forgiven and I am a child of God. The Holy Spirit lives in me and empowers me now to live in obedience to God. Thank you, Jesus! In your holy name I pray, Amen.”