Living Out Our Freedom

Happy Monday! This is Holy week, and I am so excited to finish this study with you all on Saturday. I pray the Lord has been working in you the way He has been moving in me. We are on the final section of this devotional, which is, “Hope for Our Sin.” Open your Bibles to Romans 6:11-23. “As believers, we have been brought from death to like, and this radical transformation impacts the way we live.”

Freedom is one of humanity’s most cherished ideals, deeply ingrained in who we are. Yet, the Bible offers us a freedom that surpasses the limitations of societal expectations—a spiritual liberation from the chains of sin and death, made possible through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Romans 6:11-23 calls us to reckon ourselves “dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” It describes our prior condition as being under the control of sin, a condition that led only to shame and spiritual death. But through God’s grace, we are set free—not merely to avoid sin, but to wholeheartedly devote ourselves as vessels of righteousness. Paul’s words remind us that freedom in Christ is not an excuse to indulge selfish desires; rather, it’s an invitation to live out our faith with purpose, obedience, and gratitude. This section is part of Paul’s letter to the Romans, where he addresses the transformative power of grace and the believer’s relationship to sin. Paul emphasizes that through Christ’s death and resurrection, believers are no longer slaves to sin but are alive to God. He uses the metaphor of slavery to contrast the bondage of sin with the freedom found in righteousness. The passage encourages believers to offer themselves to God as instruments of righteousness, leading to sanctification and eternal life. The overarching theme is that grace is not a license to sin but a call to live a holy and obedient life.

Galatians 5:1 echoes this truth: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Freedom in Christ means liberation from the burden of legalism, guilt, and condemnation. It’s a call to embrace the fullness of God’s grace and walk boldly in the Spirit, guided by love and empowered by hope. In this verse, Paul writes to the Galatians about the freedom they have in Christ. The context of this letter involves addressing the issue of legalism, particularly the pressure on Gentile Christians to follow Jewish laws like circumcision. Paul reminds them that Christ has set them free from the yoke of the law and urges them to stand firm in that freedom. This freedom is not about indulging the flesh but about living by the Spirit and embracing the grace of God. Living out our freedom, therefore, is a daily choice. It calls us to let go of habits and thoughts that trap us spiritually. It challenges us to anchor our identity not in worldly achievements, but in our union with Christ. And it invites us to cultivate lives that reflect His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

In practical terms, living out our freedom could mean extending forgiveness to someone who has hurt us, stepping out in faith to serve others, or seeking God’s will in areas of personal struggle. It’s about letting God’s grace permeate every aspect of our lives, so we can reflect His glory to the world. As believers, we are called to walk in the freedom Christ has given us—not as a burden to bear, but as a gift to cherish and share. May we always stand firm in this freedom, living lives that testify to the transformative power of His love. Both passages highlight the theme of spiritual freedom—freedom from sin and legalism—and the call to live a life that reflects God’s transformative work.

Write a prayer asking God to help you live in light of your freedom in Christ.

Today’s verse for Lent prayer is Romans 3:23-24 and the prayer prompt is, “Confess to the Lord how you fall short of His glory. Pray a prayer of gratitude for His grace that covers your sin and shortcomings.”

As we finish this week, I wanted to give you a prayer for Holy week. Remember what Christ has done for us. Take some time each day and pray this prayer:

Lord,

You are holy. You are glorious. You are God. This week, I recall what You have done for me. I take this moment to look and remember. I picture the colt You rode through the streets of Jerusalem with people lined up, watching expectantly. Raising their branches and saying “Hosanna!” A prophecy fulfilled. I praise You for being the Holy Son of David. The One who has come for us. I can imagine You sitting at the table. The night of Your betrayal, among Your disciples. “This is my body. This is my blood.” The gravity of these promises, the disciples do not yet understand. We come to the table, thanking You for the bread and the cup. A sacrifice we also cannot fully comprehend. I dwell on You in the garden. Drops of blood an sweat falling down Your face. “Not as I will, but as You will.” Uttering these prayers to the Father, moments before the betrayer enters. Your spirit is deeply grieved for what is about to come. I thank You for standing face to face with Your betrayer. One who was Your friend. One who sold You for pieces of silver. I praise You for standing in front of mockers and for the lashes You took on my behalf. I cannot fathom the pain You experienced when they beat You, ridiculed You, and profaned Your name. My heart breaks envisioning the nails they put into Your hands. I mourn the sin mine that You carried on the wretched cross. Saturday came and silence reigned. The whole earth mourned the death of its Glorious King. Sunday came with a celebration. Death couldn’t reign; it has no power on You. I praise You, Jesus. The Worthy Lamb who bore my sin and my shame. I thank You for the sacrifice You made so I can be in communion with You. My Savior and My King. Help me ponder these things and treasure them in my heart. In Jesus’ name I pray- Amen.

I hope you enjoy this study and decide to come back. Tomorrow we will discuss Remembering Christ’s Forgiveness. I hope you enjoy the beautiful sunset that was made by our loving Father and y’all have a wonderful night.