What is Freedom?

 What is Freedom? (Common Definition)

We often think of freedom as having the ability to do what you want. We also think we have the ability to determine what is right or wrong. Freedom in the abstract is just that. In this sense, freedom is void of doing what is right.

Idea of Freedom

In society we march under the mantra of freedom of not being told what to do however, this has a consequential effect. This notion of freedom has led to addictions. Society has become slaves to pornography, sex, drugs, alcohol, and a general sense of self control. The incapacity to live without things. We lack the ability to commit therefore leading to divorce of marriage and church.

Freedom is not True Freedom

Freedom masquerades as Liberty, but underneath is truly bondage.

What is the true definition of Freedom?

The capacity to obey God.

True Fruits of Freedom

True freedom comes from the increasing desire to do right. True freedom brings greater self control, the ability to moderate one’s desires and have them submitted to the right reason. True freedom brings balance to one’s life. It gives way to a simpler, more focused life. Sorrows and suffering are not eliminated but are diminished for many of their sources in excess, addiction and compulsion are removed. True freedom ushers in, by God’s power, the life that Jesus Christ died and rose to give us.

Paul’s Use of His Freedom (1Corithnians 9:19-23)

In this passage Paul speaks of introducing and spreading the gospel to those that are ignorant of the word. What he describes is nothing short of what we call a chameleon. His ability to code switch allows him to speak to various segments of the gentile population in their dialect to introduce them to the word.

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

The Need for Self-Discipline (1Corithnians 9:24-27)

Paul describes the need for self discipline. Self-discipline requires a focus on goals and the need to accomplish them. Self-discipline relies on denial of self for the greater good. Freedom only comes through true self reflection, assessment of this reflection, and the self-discipline to make a plan and execute it. Praying without ceasing where we are asking God for wisdom and guidance to achieve what we have been commissioned to do.

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.