FREEDOM in Heart

Liberty is synonymous with the word freedom.

It is the state that “results from not being oppressed or in bondage.” “The biblical idea of liberty (freedom) has as its background the thought of imprisonment or slavery. Rulers would imprison those whom they regarded as wrongdoers (Gen. 39:20); a conquered nation might be enslaved by its conqueror, or a prisoner of war by his captor, or an individual might, like Joseph, be sold into slavery. When the Bible speaks of liberty, a prior bondage or incarceration is always implied. Liberty means the happy state of having been released from servitude for a life of enjoyment and satisfaction that was not possible before.”

Freedom is the release of any form of control taken from a person’s God-given identity. Where there is bondage, the presence and control of the Spirit are missing. On the other hand, those who are filled with the Spirit can soar above the yoke set to ensnare them. Although Paul was in prison and chained to a Roman soldier, he was free in the Spirit as a witness of Christ and messenger to the Church. He used his chains as an opportunity to serve Christ (Acts 28:16-20; Phil. 1:12-14).  Even with his human disadvantages, as known by his life, he was purposeful and soared above his circumstances.  How does Paul’s life speak to you?

Jesus, although nailed to the cross, accomplished God’s will, despite the opposition he faced from the time of his birth up to his death. He, being God’s Son, thought it not robbery to endure the cross for the sake of those who would trust in him (Phil.2).

When God created man and woman in His image, He designed them with the freedom to enjoy fellowship with Him (Gen. 2). In this, they were given freewill to explore the earth. Once the Fall through original sin occurred, there were consequences for their pride and for every action under the sun (Gen. 3). The reality is that Adam and Eve represent humanity. We would have committed the same sin had we been in their place. As Adam and Eve fell for Satan’s lies, we continue to fall for the lies of others. As Satan disguised himself in the form of a serpent in the Garden of Eden, he continues to disguise himself as the Angel of Light. He is the adversary, the deceiver, the liar of all lies, and so on. Read C.S. Lewis’ book called The Screwtape Letters. It will shed light on the enemy's tactics to destroy God’s plan in the lives of His people.

Eve disregarded God’s comforting and loving voice for Satan’s smooth and cunning voice. Therefore, perfection was traded in for imperfection. Are you easily swayed to believe the subtle lies of others, their twisted truth? How about “seed planters”? We have the freedom to listen and run with what we hear, or the wisdom to stand up to it. After Eve listened to Satan, she added to God’s words (Gen. 3:3). Have you been the subject of someone’s exaggerated opinion? Have you stretched the truth yourself? Have you listened to the enemy’s voice in some way or another and formed subjective opinions? How about the unresolved issues in your heart that have led to projections on someone else’s life?

As the Angel of light, Satan fell from heaven and misled a third of the other angels against God (Rev. 12:4). How did he convince them that he, a created being, was more powerful than their Creator? The same way he convinces humanity to believe his lies rather than God’s truth. The same way a disguised bully convinces, manipulates, and gaslights others into their distorted lies, and gains a following from it. Consider the numerous despots throughout history and in the world. What about the control the Pharisees thought they had over Jesus’ life? They always tried to one-up him and convince others of their righteousness. The Pharisees conjured up distortions about Jesus. They called him crazy and a liar, but inwardly, many were convinced of his truth.

There is always a small remnant who will question the lies of others for the truth and will stand when no one else stands. Have you been there? I hope so. Galatians 5:1 reminds believers to stand firm in their freedom, because Christ has set us free. It concludes by saying, “Do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”

The beauty of freedom in Christ is that the Christian is victorious over any opposition when we live under the influence of the Holy Spirit. We can discern God’s voice and walk circumspectly with wisdom, redeeming the time He has allotted us (Gal. 5:16-26). Never forget that those who exercise their freedoms with purity of heart are free indeed.

“So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed” (John 8:36).

If you need us, we are here for you.

     ~Blessings upon Blessings!

J.I.Packer, The New Bible Dictionary, 3^rd ed. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press), 684-686.