March 16, 2001

We've Been Set Free, So Why Do We Still Walk In Shackles?
By Iona Hoeppner

As believers we have been set free and, as one of my favorite worship songs says, "It is for freedom we've been set free." Redundant? Only on the surface... For few Christians truly walk in the freedom Christ paid such a high price to provide us.

The prison doors have been flung open, and by grace we venture out toward the Light. What a beautiful sight! But a closer look reveals many of us are still wearing shackles and chains. Jesus has unlocked the leg irons, yet we have not stepped out of them and still struggle along dragging their oppressive weight, wondering why the Christian walk is so arduous.

It's time to let the shackles drop off and proceed to walk in freedom with Christ Jesus. With guidance from the Holy Spirit and using a piece from Fruit of the Vine Devotions (Buffy Albertson, Founder and writer) as a framework, I have elaborated on a few of our freedoms below:

I AM FREE FROM FAILURE
for "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)

Fear of failure can paralyze. It robs us of initiative, creativity and joy. Isn't it time to realize that with, through and in Christ, we are victors, we've already succeeded. The prize is in our hands right NOW! So, having gained the portals of eternal life, what can it matter if some earthly project doesn't meet our expectations. In the eternal scheme of things, it is just another step toward greater success.

I AM FREE FROM WANT
for "my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

Our Father is the King of the Universe. He owns it all and has complete power over every atom of it... and He LOVES us each one with a love so perfect that we cannot even imagine it. All the IRA's and portfolios in the world can match that! See the Stewardship Article.

I AM FREE FROM FEAR
for "God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

If God be for us, who or what can stand against us? Not only does He LOVE us, He is ALWAYS with us and sets limits on what may befall us. What then is there to fear? Daddy God is here! Holding to His hand, we can walk boldly and in utter peace through anything at all.

I AM FREE FROM DOUBT
for "God hath given to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)

Doubt, of God, of self, is one of satan's favorite tools, but we have been provided a full set of armor... all we need do is don it! Put on the full armor and partake regularly of the four spiritual food groups (prayer, Bible reading/study, Christian fellowship and corporate worship) and allow God to lead your thoughts.

I AM FREE FROM WEAKNESS,
"for the Lord is the strength of my life." (Psalms 27:1) and "The people that know their God shall be strong and do exploits." (Daniel 11:32)

I AM FREE FROM THE POWER OF SATAN "for greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

Satan is already defeated. You belong to Christ and angels stand round about you. Yes, that lord of the flies may come against you, but he is subject to God's limits and cannot override them. Indeed, you have been given the power to drive him away in the name and power of Jesus Christ Himself!

I AM FREE FROM DEFEAT
"for God always causeth me to triumph in Christ Jesus." (2 Corinthians 2:14)

The eternal victory is already won! It's a done deal, and you stand among the victors! Temporal setbacks mean little compared to that and are ever under the control of your loving Father... You're a winner, no matter what!

I AM FREE FROM IGNORANCE,
"for Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God." (1 Corinthians 1:30)

You have a private and perfect tutor with you every moment. The Holy Spirit will guide you in all wisdom, but only if you are willing, yielded, teachable.

I AM FREE FROM SIN,
"for the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth me from all sin." (1 John 1:7)

How oft we stumble on this one, but remember that through Paul, God tells us we are dead to sin. Sin and death were taken care of on the cross, and as He hung there, Jesus had you on His mind. He already knew every sin you would ever commit, and He took care of them all!

I AM FREE FROM WORRY
"for I am to cast my cares upon Him." (1 Peter 5:7)

Worry is future fear of the unknown. We may fret about or regret things past, but we don't worry about them, nor is worry a feature of things present, no matter how uncomfortable because they fleet from future to present to past in a heartbeat... So to dread and worry over possible future misfortune or pain is pointless and futile. You know not what will come and cannot change one bit of it by worry. Jesus bears your burdens and all is under control.

I AM FREE FROM BONDAGE,
"for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Although man may make your body his slave, no one can enslave your spirit. You may feel in bondage to a habit, etc. but Christ has declared you free and will deal with it when you're ready to yield it to Him.

I AM FREE FROM CONDEMNATION,
"for there is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

The enemy loves to accuse and condemn us, but he has no right! We in Christ cannot be condemned for washed in His blood, we are free from sin and as our Holy Father looks upon us, He sees the very righteousness of Christ! Awesome!!!

Isn't it time to step away from those shackles and run freely in the Lord. The race has just begun and the running can be a glorious adventure... Ready, Set, GO!

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Author: Iona Hoeppner
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