No. 308 - Called to Freedom, Serving in Love

The Freedom of God’s Children

Called to Freedom, Serving in Love

Galatians 5:13

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." 

Starting Prayer 

Dear Lord, please help me understand what it truly means to be free in Christ and how I can use this freedom to serve others in love. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Background 

In Galatians 5, Paul speaks to the believers about their freedom in Christ. He emphasises that this freedom is not a license to indulge in sinful desires but an opportunity to serve one another in love. This chapter encourages us to live by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. 

Be Encouraged 

We live in a world where freedom is often misunderstood as doing whatever we want. However, true freedom in Christ means being set free from the bondage of sin to serve others in love. Imagine a person who has been released from prison. They are free, but their freedom should be used to contribute positively to society, not to return to a life of crime. Similarly, our freedom in Christ is a call to love and serve one another, reflecting God's love in our actions. 

Consider the example of a firefighter. They have the freedom to choose their career, but they use their freedom to save lives and serve the community. In the same way, as Christians, we are called to use our freedom to serve others. By loving and serving one another, we fulfil the law of Christ and demonstrate the transformative power of God's love in our lives. 

Application 

Reflect on 1 Peter 2:16, "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God," and John 13:34, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." 

Invitation 

If you have not yet experienced the freedom that comes from being in Christ, I invite you to visit a nearby Church of Christ. Learn more about how to enter into this freedom through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). The Lord will add you to His church, where you will continue to grow in faith and learn more about God’s commandments (Matthew 28:18-20). Embrace the freedom Christ offers and share this message of liberation with others, inviting them to experience the joy of being God’s children. 

Concluding Prayer 

Thank You, Lord, for the freedom You have given me through Your Spirit. Help me to use this freedom to serve others in love and to glorify You in all that I do. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana


Comments

Post a Comment

Most Read Posts

Blessed is the Forgiven

Image
The Grace of God’s Forgiveness Blessed is the Forgiven Psalm 32:1 "Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." Starting Prayer Heavenly Father, as I reflect on the words of Psalm 32:1 today, I humbly seek Your insight. May I understand the depth of Your forgiveness and the blessing that comes with it. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. Background The title "Blessed is the Forgiven" encapsulates the theme of Psalm 32, which explores the joy and blessing that arise from God's forgiveness. This psalm is attributed to David, expressing the joy and relief he experienced when he confessed his sins and received God's pardon. Be Encouraged Psalm 32:1 reminds believers of the blessed state of those whose sins are forgiven. Ephesians 1:7 and 1 John 1:9 reinforce the concept of God's forgiveness through the blood of Christ and the confession of sins. Today's meditation invites you to wholly surrender your life to
Read more

Anxiety and Trust

Image
The Faithfulness of God’s Provision Anxiety and Trust Philippians 4:6 (ESV) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Starting Prayer    Dear Lord, as I come before You today, I seek Your wisdom and guidance. Help me to understand the depth of Your provision and faithfulness. Grant me peace in knowing that I can trust You completely, in Jesus' name. Amen. Background *   The book of Philippians was written by the apostle Paul to the church in Philippi. In chapter 4, Paul encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always and to pray without ceasing. Verse 6 specifically addresses the issue of anxiety, urging believers not to be anxious about anything but to bring their concerns to God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. Be Encouraged    In Philippians 4:6, Paul provides a clear directive for dealing with anxiety: prayer and trust in God. When faced with worries and
Read more

No. 362 - Identifying and Rejecting Idolatry in Everyday Life

Image
The Call to Spiritual Holiness Identifying and Rejecting Idolatry in Everyday Life ­1 Corinthians 10:14 "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."   Prayer   Dear God, grant me the wisdom to recognise and reject any form of idolatry in my life. Help me to stay true to You and not be swayed by the distractions of this world. In Jesus' name. Amen.   Background   In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul warns the believers in Corinth about the dangers of idolatry by reminding them of the Israelites' failures in the wilderness. He explains that although the people were blessed with spiritual privileges, their lack of faith and their participation in idolatrous practices led to their downfall. In verse 14, Paul urges Christians to flee from idolatry, stressing that it is not just about physical idols but also about putting anything before God in our lives. This call to flee from idolatry is a call to keep our devotion pure and focused on God alone. Be Encouraged   Ide
Read more

No. 299 - Fear Not, Little Flock

Image
The Celebration of God ’s Kingdom Fear Not, Little Flock   Luke 12:32 (ESV)  "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom."   Starting Prayer Dear Lord, as I reflect on Your reassuring promise, open my heart to understand and embrace the joy of Your kingdom. Help me to trust in Your provision and guidance every day. In Jesus' name. Amen.   Background  Luke 12 includes Jesus' teachings on various topics such as the dangers of hypocrisy, the importance of acknowledging Christ, and the need to avoid anxiety about material needs. In verse 32, Jesus comforts His followers, assuring them of God's generous gift of the kingdom, highlighting God's pleasure in providing for His children.   Be Encouraged  "Fear not, little flock," Jesus says, reminding us that we are precious to God, like a shepherd cherishes his sheep. This verse is a beautiful assurance that despite our worries and uncertainties, God delights in givin
Read more

God's Omnipresent Joy

Image
The Joy of God ’s Presence God's Omnipresent Joy Psalm 139:7-10 "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." Starting Prayer Heavenly Father, as we contemplate the omnipresence of Your joy, grant us the wisdom to comprehend the depth of Your constant presence in our lives. May our hearts be filled with the assurance that Your joy accompanies us wherever we go. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. Background The title "God's Omnipresent Joy" is derived from Psalm 139, a profound psalm attributed to David. In this chapter, David reflects on the omniscience and omnipresence of God. The selected verses, Psalm 139:7-10, beautifully articulate the inescapable nature of God's presence, emp
Read more

The Eternal Word Incarnate

Image
The Power of God’s Word The Eternal Word Incarnate John 1:1: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Starting Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I reflect on the profound words of John 1:1, I seek Your divine insight. May the revelation of the eternal Word fill my heart and mind. Guide me in understanding the significance of Your Word becoming flesh. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. Background: The opening verse of the Gospel of John introduces Jesus as the Word. It signifies His eternal existence, His close relationship with God, and His divine nature. This verse sets the foundation for understanding the Incarnation, where the Word became flesh to dwell among us (John 1:14). Be Encouraged: In contemplating John 1:1, recognize that Jesus, the Word, predates time and holds divine significance. His presence in the world brings light and life. As we conclude the theme "The Power of God's Word," embrace the truth that t
Read more

No. 350 - Surrendering Through Baptism

Image
Responding to God's Gift of Salvation Surrendering Through Baptism Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."   Prayer   Dear Lord, as I reflect on the significance of baptism in surrendering to You, grant me understanding and help me to embrace this essential step in my faith journey. In Jesus' name. Amen.   Background   Mark 16 records Jesus' final instructions to His disciples after His resurrection. In verse 16, Jesus clearly states that belief and baptism are necessary for salvation. Baptism is not merely a ritual but an essential act of faith, signifying the believer's complete response to the gospel and the reception of salvation. This act symbolises our identification with Christ ’s death, burial, and resurrection, and it marks our entry into a new relationship with God. Be Encouraged   Baptism is crucial because it signifies our complete surrender to Christ. Just as Noah
Read more

The High and Lowly One

Image
The Holiness of God’s Name The High and Lowly One Isaiah 57:15 (ESV) "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" Starting Prayer Lord, I come before you today seeking insight into the holiness of Your name. Help me to understand Your greatness and Your willingness to dwell with those who are humble and contrite in heart. In Jesus' name. Amen. Background Isaiah 57 addresses the sins of Israel and the promise of restoration for the humble and repentant. In verse 15, God reveals His transcendence as "the One who is high and lifted up," dwelling in eternity, and whose name is Holy. Despite His exalted nature, He promises to dwell with the lowly and contrite, reviving their spirits. Be Encouraged God's holiness is not only displayed in H
Read more

In His Love We Find Refuge

Image
The Assurance of God’s Love In His Love We Find Refuge Zephaniah 3:17 "The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." Starting Prayer Heavenly Father, as we delve into the assurance of Your love today, grant us the wisdom to understand the depth of Your joy and the peace that comes from being embraced by Your love. May Your Word enlighten our hearts and minds. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. Background In Zephaniah chapter 3, the prophet addresses the people of Jerusalem, conveying both a message of warning and a promise of hope. Despite the impending judgment, there is a glimpse of God's love and compassion. In verse 17, we find a beautiful depiction of God's character – a mighty Savior who rejoices over His people with gladness, quiets them with His love, and celebrates them with joyful singing. Be Encouraged In the
Read more

Forgiveness: A Blessing in Disguise

Image
Forgiveness Forgiveness: A Blessing in Disguise Luke 6:37 "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven." Background : In Luke 6:37, Jesus imparts a profound lesson about forgiveness. He challenges us to refrain from judgment and condemnation, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of forgiveness. The act of forgiving, Jesus affirms, opens the door to receiving forgiveness. It is a powerful reminder that forgiveness is not only a selfless act but also a blessing that returns to the forgiver in ways beyond comprehension. Be Encouraged Embracing a forgiving heart is a transformative journey. When we release the burden of resentment and judgment, we experience a sense of liberation that can only be described as a blessing in disguise. Forgiveness is not weakness; it is a courageous choice that brings healing to wounded hearts. As we extend forgiveness, we create space for God's grace to work in o
Read more