Breaking the Chains That Hold Us Back
Have you ever felt stuck? Like something is holding you back from being who you’re meant to be? We’ve all been there. We all carry chains of some kind – worry, fear, past mistakes, what others think of us. But here’s the amazing truth: in Christ, we are truly free.
This month, we’re exploring what freedom in Christ really means. Not just as a nice church phrase, but as a life-changing reality that can transform how we live each day.
What Does Freedom in Christ Really Mean?
Freedom in Christ isn’t about doing whatever we want. It’s much better than that. It’s about being free to become who we were created to be.
Think about a train. A train has the most freedom when it stays on its tracks. Off the tracks, it’s useless and stuck. On the tracks, it can reach its full potential and destination.
That’s how our freedom works. We were made to live in relationship with God. When we find that connection, we discover true freedom.
Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). This isn’t just talk – it’s a promise. When we come to Christ, chains start falling off:
- Free from guilt and shame
- Free from the power of sin
- Free from trying to earn God’s love
- Free from fear of death
- Free from other people’s opinions
- Free from our past mistakes
Paul writes, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Notice he doesn’t say Christ set us free so we could follow a new set of rules. He set us free FOR freedom itself. Freedom is both the means and the end.
Think about that. God wants you free because freedom itself is His goal for you. Not just as a ticket to heaven someday, but as your reality right now.
How Freedom Changes How We Live
When you truly understand you’re free in Christ, everything changes. Your whole approach to life shifts.
From Rules to Relationship
Before understanding freedom, many of us approached God through rules and obligations. We thought, “If I do enough good things, God will love me.”
Freedom changes that completely. We now live from relationship, not for it. We don’t serve God to gain His approval – we already have it! We serve from a place of love and gratitude.
The Bible says, “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Our actions flow from His love, not to earn it.
This alters everything about how we approach our faith. Prayer becomes conversation instead of obligation. Reading scripture becomes discovery instead of duty. Serving others becomes joy instead of a burden.
From Fear to Trust
Fear makes terrible decisions. When we’re afraid, we play it safe, hold back, and miss what God has for us.
Freedom in Christ replaces fear with trust. We can take risks because we know whose we are. We can step out in faith because we know He’s got us.
Think about Peter walking on water. As long as his eyes were on Jesus, he did the impossible. When fear crept in, he sank. Freedom keeps our eyes on Jesus so we can do what seems impossible.
From Hiding to Authenticity
Adam and Eve’s first response to sin was to hide. That’s been our instinct ever since. We hide our true selves, our struggles, our questions.
But freedom in Christ lets us be real. We don’t have to pretend anymore. We can bring our whole selves to God and others.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). When we know we’re fully loved, we can be fully known.
The Privileges of Our Freedom
Freedom in Christ comes with amazing privileges that many believers never fully enjoy.
Direct Access to God
In the Old Testament, only the high priest could enter God’s presence, and only once a year. Now, the curtain is torn. We have direct access.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). Think about that – the throne of the universe, and you can walk right up! No appointment needed. No intermediary required.
This access isn’t just a theological concept. It’s practical. Right now, wherever you are, you can speak directly to the Creator of everything. You can bring any need, any question, any thought. He’s listening.
Power for Daily Living
Freedom isn’t just from something; it’s for something. God doesn’t just free us and say, “Good luck out there!”
Jesus promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Acts 1:8). This power isn’t just for special occasions or “super Christians”. It’s for everyday life.
Need wisdom for a decision? The Spirit provides it. Facing something bigger than you? His power is made perfect in weakness. Stuck in the same old patterns? The Spirit brings transformation.
The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in you. Think about that! Resurrection power is available for your daily challenges.
Inheritance as Children
When you became a believer, you didn’t just get saved – you got adopted. You’re now a child of God with all the rights of a family member.
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs” (Romans 8:16-17).
What’s our inheritance? Everything that belongs to Jesus. His peace. His joy. His authority. His relationship with the Father. His future. It’s all yours as His co-heir.
Many of us live like servants when we’ve been made sons and daughters. We have full rights to the family inheritance.
Freedom and Our Identity
Nothing impacts how we live more than who we believe we are. Freedom in Christ gives us a brand new identity.
No Longer Defined by Mistakes
Your past mistakes don’t define you anymore. Neither do your current struggles. Those are things you do, not who you are.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When God looks at you, He doesn’t see all your failures. He sees His beloved child, covered by Christ’s righteousness.
Your identity isn’t based on your performance. It’s based on Christ’s perfect performance on your behalf. What freedom!
Citizens of a New Kingdom
While we live in this world, we’re citizens of another kingdom. We answer to a different King. We live by different values.
Paul reminds us, “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). This changes our perspective on everything. We’re ambassadors representing our King in foreign territory.
When the world’s values push against God’s, we can stand firm. Not out of stubborn pride, but from knowing who we really are and where we really belong.
Complete in Christ
Many of us spend our lives feeling like we’re missing something. If only we had more money, a different job, better relationships, then we’d be complete.
But the truth is, “In Christ you have been brought to fullness” (Colossians 2:10). You already have everything you need for life and godliness.
This doesn’t mean life is perfect. But it means you don’t have to chase after things to complete you. In Christ, you’re already whole.
Authority to Live in Freedom
Freedom in Christ also gives us spiritual authority. Not to control others, but to live victoriously ourselves and help others find freedom too.
Authority Over the Enemy
Jesus said, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19).
The enemy wants to keep you in chains. But in Christ, you have authority to resist him. You can stand against his lies and accusations.
When thoughts of condemnation come, you have authority to reject them. When fear tries to paralyse you, you have authority to move forward in faith.
Authority to Heal and Restore
Jesus didn’t just come to get us to heaven. He came to bring heaven to earth. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
In heaven, there’s no sickness, pain, or brokenness. As kingdom citizens, we have authority to bring healing and restoration here and now.
Jesus told his followers, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). This command wasn’t just for those first disciples. His power still works through believers today.
When we pray for healing, we’re not just hoping God might do something. We’re exercising the authority He’s given us to release His power.
Authority to Live Differently
In a world driven by fear, greed, and self-protection, freedom gives us authority to live by different values.
We can choose love when others choose hate. We can choose generosity when others choose greed. We can choose forgiveness when others choose bitterness.
This different way of living isn’t just a nice idea. It’s a powerful witness. It shows the world there’s another way to live – the way of the kingdom.
Bringing Heaven to Earth
Our freedom isn’t just for us. It’s for the world around us. We’re free to bring God’s kingdom into every area of life.
Freedom that Transforms Communities
When God’s people live in true freedom, communities change. Broken relationships heal. Injustice gets addressed. The poor and marginalised find help.
Jesus announced his ministry by saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18).
Our freedom should lead to others’ freedom. As we experience God’s love and power, we naturally want to extend that to those around us.
Freedom that Transforms Culture
Every culture has elements that align with God’s kingdom and elements that don’t. As free people, we can affirm what’s good while challenging what’s harmful.
We don’t have to accept the world’s definition of success, beauty, power, or happiness. We’re free to live by kingdom values instead.
This might mean making different choices about how we spend money, use technology, pursue relationships, or do business. These choices might seem strange to others. But they demonstrate a better way to live.
Freedom that Transforms History
God is writing a story throughout human history, and He’s invited us to be part of it. Your life is not random. Your freedom has purpose in His bigger plan.
The Bible tells us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
There are things God has prepared for you to do that only you can do. People you can reach that only you can reach. As you walk in freedom, you participate in God’s plan to redeem all things.
What’s Coming This Month
Throughout this month, we’ll explore different aspects of freedom in Christ:
- Bible Studies on “Liberty and Grace” – We’ll explore key passages about freedom, discovering how grace fuels our liberty and keeps it from becoming license.
- Prayer Guide on “Praying for Freedom and Justice in the Kingdom of God” – Learn how to pray effectively for breakthrough in your life and in society.
- Discipleship Guide on “Living Free in Christ” – Practical steps to walk in greater freedom day by day.
- Practical Living Tips on “Embracing Our Identity in Christ That Brings Spiritual Freedom” – Simple ways to align your thoughts and actions with who God says you are.
Don’t miss these resources. Each one will help you experience more of the freedom Christ died to give you.
Take the Next Step
Freedom isn’t something that happens all at once. It’s a journey of discovery, a daily choice to live from who God says you are rather than who the world says you are.
So what’s your next step? Maybe it’s:
- Identifying a lie you’ve believed and replacing it with God’s truth
- Forgiving someone who’s hurt you
- Stepping out in a gift God’s given you
- Joining with others in bringing kingdom freedom to those in need
- Simply spending more time in God’s presence, letting His love drive out fear
Whatever it is, don’t wait. Take that step today.
Remember that you’re not doing this alone. The Holy Spirit – the Spirit of freedom – lives in you. He gives you both the desire and the power to live free.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17).
That freedom is already yours. It’s time to live like it.
Let’s walk in freedom together this month, not just for ourselves, but for a world that desperately needs to see what true freedom looks like.
What area of freedom are you exploring right now? Share in the comments below, and let’s encourage one another on this journey.
