1 Peter 2:16 - Freedom

1 Peter 2:16 - Freedom

“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.”

Freedom is a theme that pops up in scripture like dandelions in a field. Here are some examples:

“In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.” – Psalm 118:5

“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought your precepts.” – Psalm 119:45

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1

“Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36

“Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” – Romans 8:2

“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” – 1 Corinthians 8:9

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17

“It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” – Galatians 5:13

“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” – Colossians 1:22

It’s funny, in a sad sort of way. So many people deny Christ so they can live in freedom when actually; they are choosing to be prisoners of sin. There can be no freedom where sin reigns because by nature, sin enslaves. Christ destroys the power of sin in our lives and by obediently submitting to Him, we become free. Freedom resides in the lap of God, and nowhere else.

“No man is free who is a slave to the flesh”. – Seneca