”17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:17
Freedom is a pretty big deal.
In America, where the illusion of freedom is deeply rooted in corruption, greed has been festering since the founding Fathers put ink on paper, and created the most selfish nation on Earth.
So today, God led me to explore a powerful truth encapsulated in 2 Corinthians 3:17: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” This profound statement speaks volumes about the essence of our faith and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Understanding Bondage
To fully grasp the freedom offered to us, we must first understand the nature of the bondage from which we are liberated. Bondage, in a biblical sense, refers to anything that enslaves us and separates us from the fullness of life that God intends for us. It includes sin, guilt, fear, addiction, legalism, and any form of spiritual oppression. These chains prevent us from experiencing the abundant life that Jesus promised.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt is a vivid representation of physical and spiritual bondage. They were oppressed, burdened, and without hope until God, in His mercy, delivered them through Moses. This deliverance was not just a physical liberation but a foreshadowing of the ultimate freedom to come through Jesus Christ.
The Spirit of the Lord
Paul’s declaration in 2 Corinthians 3:17 points us to the source of our freedom: the Spirit of the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, actively working in our lives to bring about transformation and renewal. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells us, marking the beginning of our journey to true freedom.
The Spirit’s role is multifaceted. He convicts us of sin, leads us into all truth, comforts us in our trials, and empowers us to live righteous lives. Through the Holy Spirit, we are adopted into God’s family, becoming heirs with Christ. This relationship is not based on fear or bondage but on love and freedom.
Freedom in Christ
What does it mean to be free in Christ? It means that we are no longer under the dominion of sin. Romans 6:14 tells us, “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” This freedom is not a license to live as we please but an invitation to live as God pleases. It is freedom from the penalty of sin, as Jesus took that upon Himself on the cross. It is also freedom from the power of sin, as the Holy Spirit enables us to overcome sinful desires and live in obedience to God.
Legalism, the strict adherence to the law without the Spirit, can also be a form of bondage. Paul warns against this in Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Legalism binds us to a set of rules and regulations, making us believe that our worth and salvation are dependent on our ability to keep the law. In contrast, the Spirit of the Lord brings freedom by affirming that our salvation is through faith in Christ alone.
Living in Freedom
Living in the freedom of the Spirit means walking daily in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. It involves yielding to His guidance, trusting in His provision, and allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. This transformation is evident in the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Freedom in Christ also calls us to live in community with others. We are freed from self-centeredness to love and serve one another. Galatians 5:13 encourages us, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Our freedom is not just for our benefit but for the edification of the body of Christ and the advancement of His kingdom.
As we reflect on 2 Corinthians 3:17, let us rejoice in the freedom that the Spirit of the Lord brings. We are no longer slaves to sin, fear, or legalism. We are children of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives that glorify Him. Let us embrace this freedom, walk in it daily, and share it with a world that desperately needs to know the liberating love of Christ.
May the Spirit of the Lord fill us with His presence, guide us in His truth, and lead us into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon Paul,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
