Topic: The Freedom to Choose What Is Right[RICK WARREN Devotional 29 October 2022]
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The Freedom to Choose What Is Right
BY RICK WARREN — OCTOBER 29, 2022
FROM RADICALIS: DEVELOPING SPIRITUAL ROOTS
“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.”
Romans 6:6-7 (NLT)
God gives four great freedoms to everyone who puts their trust in him. We already looked at the first two: a clear conscience and personal access to God. The third freedom is the power to do what is right.
Most people think freedom means no rules, no limits, and no regulations—but that’s a very limited view of freedom. Instead, freedom is the power God graciously gives you to say “yes” to the things that are good for you and “no” to the things that are harmful.
If you don’t have the power to say “no,” there’s a word for that: addiction. And with it comes obsessions and compulsions in your life. The Bible teaches, “For you are a slave to whatever controls you” (2 Peter 2:19 NLT).
I once read a story about a brother and sister who were encouraged by their parents to “find your bliss.” Their home had no boundaries, and they were allowed to experiment with sex and drugs. By the time they were in their mid-20s, their lives were out of control.
The brother soon realized, “My freedom was no freedom at all. On the outside, I appeared to be enjoying life. But inside I was enslaved to my own fears, insecurities, and compulsions. I needed someone to free me from myself.”
That’s exactly what we all need: someone to free us from ourselves.
Have you ever thought, “Why do I fly off the handle at people I love the most? Why am I anxious and fearful all the time? How do I stop?” These are things you may have tried to change about yourself but didn’t have the power to change. That kind of power comes only from God.
Also Read: Open Heaven 29 October 2022 Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – NO LOVE WITHOUT DISCIPLINE
Paul voiced this tension in Romans 7:24-25: “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord” (NLT).
Why is Jesus Christ the answer? Jesus promises, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV).
Freedom is not simply having no limits. Radical freedom is the freedom to say “yes” to the things that improve your health, increase your happiness, and fill your life with significance. Radical freedom is the power to do what is right.
Talk It Over
- As you consider 2 Peter 2:19, “For you are a slave to whatever controls you” (NLT), why do you think God hates sin so much?
- Describe a time you tried to change a behavior on your own power. How did it work out?
- Based on this devotional, how would you counsel someone who desperately wants to stop a destructive pattern but has been unsuccessful?
God’s Freedom Is Available to You Today
God promises that for those who believe in Jesus, there is no condemnation. He sent Jesus to take away your sins. And Jesus’ death on the cross paid for every wrong you’ve ever done or will do.
And the good news doesn’t stop there. God also raised Jesus from the dead, proving his power over sin and death. And that makes it possible for you to spend eternity with him in heaven.
If you’re ready to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, start by praying this simple prayer: “Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sins and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
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