Thola i AppThe Way, The Truth, And The Life: A 12-Day Reading PlanIsampula
Where You'll Find Real Freedom
Most of us think freedom is the right to decide our will. For example, we think about freedom of speech, freedom in how we parent and where we live, the right to bear weapons, freedom to hang out with whoever we want, that kind of thing.
To live in true freedom, we must first hear the Gospel. Romans 3:23 says we all are sinners who fall short of the glory of God. No one is an exception to needing God’s grace. Believing Jesus died on the cross to save us, frees us from sin’s control and allows us to repent.
Repentance provides victory over sin. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
Hearing the Gospel, believing it, repenting of sin, and making a confession of faith leads to true freedom. Only then are we able to discern and live out God’s “good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
God’s will for our lives gives us more freedom than the tyranny of sin.
John 8:31-32 says, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Jesus is the truth; real freedom is eternal life. Only Jesus can free us from the bondage of sin and lead us into the freedom of eternal life with Him. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Jesus does not give us the freedom to do as we wish while present on Earth, but the freedom to follow God’s will. As we seek God’s perfect will for our lives, His perfect truth frees us of our own self-deception, as well as Satan’s.
Reflect:
- Do you live in freedom with Jesus? In what way?
- What is one thing you’re doing to follow God’s will? What is one thing you need to start or stop doing?
- Have you stepped into the freedom of a relationship with Jesus? If not, you can do it today.
Mayelana naloluHlelo
Jesus made a lot of claims about Himself during His time on Earth. One of the most audacious claims Jesus made is that He is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). You’ve probably heard preachers say, “Jesus is the only way to heaven.” Why is that? Who did Jesus really claim to be? And what does it mean to make Him the standard for truth?
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