Self-Denial 2023: The Path Of Freedom
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.
Proverbs 25:28 (NKJV)
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
If Jesus is 'The Door' (John 10:7) and 'The Way' (John 14:6) to freedom, then consider:
Freedom is a movement and a process. It requires ongoing presence of mind. It’s a path of disciplined decisions.
Freedom is a grand pilgrimage. Recall the story of the ten lepers:* (Luke 17:11-18). 'And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed' (Luke 17:14).
Freedom is a journey of faith. 'For we walk by faith, not by sight' (2 Corinthians 5:7). 'Your faith has made you well' (Mark 5:34).
Freedom is a work in progress. 'Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling' (Philippians 2:12).
Freedom is a competition. ‘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. 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’ (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). Your new self battles your old self.
Freedom is a transformation. ‘And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His Image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, Who is the Spirit’ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Freedom is daily sacrifice. ‘I die daily’ (1 Corinthians 15:31). ‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me’ (Luke 9:23).
Freedom is daily communion. ‘Give us this day our daily bread’ (Matthew 6:11). ‘Pray without ceasing’ (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Freedom is daily forgiveness. ‘For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses’ (Matthew 6:14-15).
Freedom is daily thanksgiving. ‘Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’ (1 Thessalonians 5:18). ‘Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Ephesians 5:20).
Freedom is walking in newness! ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here’ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old’ (Isaiah 43:18).
Paul puts it this way: 'I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for Whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ' (Philippians 3:8).
Self-Denial 2023: The Path Of Freedom (Part 5)
* Story of the Ten Lepers: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+17%3A11-18&version=NASB
NOTE: This is a 2022 update of a 2012 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.