10 Ways to Live Free in Christ
Have you ever wondered what it actually looks like to live free in Christ, or better yet, what is it that we as Christians are free from? In today’s video, I’m sharing with you 10 ways Christ sets His followers free. Stay tuned!
We know that it is through Jesus Christ that we find freedom. But if you’ve ever wondered what that practically looks like in our everyday lives, here are 10 ways Christ sets us free.
1. Freedom from guilt.
Guilt is the result of committing sin that usually leaves us with a bad feeling of what we did. But Christ frees us from guilt by forgiving us of the sin we feel guilty about. 1 John 1:9 says
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)
2. Freedom from condemnation.
As I shared, guilt is when we feel bad about our sin. Condemnation on the other hand, is when God is mad at our sin. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross however, has satisfied God’s wrath for sin, so anyone who places their faith in Christ is free of condemnation. Romans 8:1 says:
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 ESV)
3. Freedom from worry.
Worry is the uneasy thought that something bad is going to happen in the future. But because God controls the future, we don’t have to worry about it. We can live free of worry of tomorrow when we choose to trust God today. No matter what happens in the future, we know how this story ends: Jesus wins. Matthew 6:33-34 says:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:33-34 ESV)
4. Freedom from people-pleasing.
We often find ourselves overly occupied with what others think of us and in turn, modify our behavior and actions to get people to think about us or respond to us in a positive light. This however means all our actions are ruled by others thoughts of us and not God so we can satisfy our craving to be liked and accepted. When we realize that we are already loved and accepted by God, the chains of people-pleasing fall off giving us true freedom to live for Christ and not people. Galatians 1:10 says:
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10 ESV)
5. Freedom from fear.
Fear is the unpleasant emotion caused by danger or the perception of danger. Throughout the entire Bible, believers are commanded not to fear because fear causes us to think things that are not true, stop walking in faith, and can even stop us from trusting God. Faith on the other hand, gives us the courage to move forward in the abundant life Christ does want for us to live. Faith in Christ then frees us from the stronghold of fear.
6. Freedom from death.
The greatest fear we all often face is death. But not only did Christ overcome death and grant eternal life to those who place their faith in Him, He also promises a life after death that is far greater than the life we live now with no pain and suffering, but with eternal joy and peace. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 says
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57 ESV)
7. Freedom from works-based salvation.
Trying to work for our salvation is a heavy burden to carry because it is impossible to do. Instead, when we place our faith in Christ, He forgives our sin and gives us His righteousness. We are then free to enjoy our relationship with God without endless works and harmful legalism.
8. Freedom from comparison.
In an internet connected world, we have 24-hour access to the lives of those around us at the tip of our fingers. That also means we face constant temptation to compare ourselves to others and feel defeated if we don’t live up to current standards or prideful if we start to think more highly of ourselves than we should. When we place our faith in Christ however, we don’t have to live up to the standards of this world because we know what God has for us is for us. When we embrace the truth that God has purposed each of us with unique gifts and plans for His Kingdom, we can live free from trying to be like anyone other than ourselves.
9. Freedom from a wasted life.
As Christians, we are free from sin and death, but we still run the risk of living an unfruitful and wasted life if we only avoid sin but don’t pursue God. We can waste our abundant life by focusing on things that don’t matter and by distracting ourselves with lesser things. Not necessarily sinful things, but not the best that God has for us. 1 Corinthians 10:23 says:
“You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial.” (1 Corinthians 10:23 NLT)
The good life in Christ doesn’t start when we die and go to heaven. It starts the moment we accept Christ into our hearts and exchange our sinful life with His abundant life. Jesus tells us:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 ESV)
Unfortunately, many believers stop at salvation and don’t experience abundant life because they become entangled with the cares and distractions of this world. But when we truly let God not only save our lives but lead our lives, we are free to experience a peaceful and joyful life while it is still day.
10. Freedom from confusion.
God is a God of order. He systematically placed each star in the sky, each hair on your head, and orders every one of your steps. Proverbs 16:9 says:
“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NLT)
When we trust God to lead our way and delight in Him, we don’t have to be overcome with confusion but instead live free in knowing each of our steps is purposely established by God Himself. As we seek His direction, He will make all things clear.
Now I would love to hear from you Beloved! Which type of freedom from Christ do you need most during this season in your life? Let’s encourage one another in the comments.
Want to learn more about how to live free in Christ? I invite you to join our Beloved Women bible study “Called to Freedom: A Study of Galatians to Learn How to Live Free in Christ.” This video series walks you through the book of Galatians to help you live free from pleasing people, comparison, guilt, and more so you can truly embrace the freedom you are called to in Christ. Join now by becoming a Beloved Women member at belovedwomen.tv or download the Beloved Women app available in the Apple or Google play stores. I look forward to studying with you!
Thank you so much for watching and until next time, be beautiful, be blessed, and beloved.
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