Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians makes a pretty incredible statement in chapter 6 verse 12. It is a statement that has many different layers to it if you truly understand the Gospel and our identity as God’s children, but at the same time, it is so simple and direct. There is a freedom that rings out and a sense of immeasurable thankfulness when we read these words that he speaks. It is a statement that really changes everything. It is a statement that is only reserved for followers of Jesus and those children of God who have been bought by the precious blood of Jesus. It is a statement that reveals the power and authority we have been given over all powers and temptations that we may face. Again, it is a statement that not everyone can declare… only God’s dearly loved children. Paul says at the end of 1 Cor. 6:12, “… but I will not be enslaved by anything.”
Read it again. And again. One more time.
In the context of the full verse and what Paul was addressing was disagreements among the Corinthians about what specific meats were ok to eat as some were seen to be unclean and unworthy because of their connection with false gods. Paul makes the statement, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful.” He is saying that the only name and the only power that we as believers must bow to is Jesus. He is our God and King. He is our Savior and Lord and no other authority or power, even death, can have control over us because HE is greater. And because HE is greater, in terms of man’s tradition and man’s judgement over right and wrong or what meat is good to eat and what is not… we are freed from that! God has overcome all powers and authorities and HE stands supreme as the one setting the moral standard for those who are called by His name. With that being said, HE ALSO SAYS that “not all things are helpful” meaning that just because we have the freedom or power to do certain things that doesn’t mean we should. What drives us should not be what pleases our flesh but rather what pleases the Spirit now living inside of us (v. 19) and the Spirit’s job is to reveal the character of the Father in and through His children.
That is another sermon for another day though. What struck me today was the phrase ,”but I will not be enslaved by anything.” There is a freedom that comes with these words and that freedom is only available and attainable through Jesus and His work for us on the cross. Before then, we were all enslaved. We were all trapped by something greater than us. We were all held captive by a power stronger than us. Sin, anger, shame, fear, man’s approval, insecurities, pride, jealousy, and desires of the flesh are all things that definitely enslaved us before the cross of Christ. We could have said that we were free, but that would have been nothing more than a superficial, wishful, and ultimately empty lie. This was our condition and we had no choice because we were dead in our sins (Eph. 2:1). But the cross of Jesus changes everything! Every power of sin and any record of debt against us was nailed to the cross and wiped away with the precious blood of Jesus (Col. 2:14). Also, every earthly dominion and stronghold of death was triumphed over when Jesus not only took our sin upon Himself on the cross, but victoriously triumphed over death in His resurrection. There is no higher name than Jesus! There is no greater power than that which comes from the hands of the One who created all things and still controls them. There is no greater love than that which flows from the heart of the Father who has gone to unimaginable lengths to call us His own. There is no stronger power than that of the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave now living inside of us. No, we are no longer enslaved by anything! Through Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit living in us we have been set free to sink deep in an ocean of God’s grace and dwell there in His presence finding all we need in Him. We are victorious! We are free! We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37)… so why are we constantly putting ourselves under the control and authority of lesser things?
Go back and read that phrase again, but this time declare it to yourself by the name and power of Jesus. I will not be enslaved by anything! It is by Him and through Him that you have the ability to tell your flesh, who desires to see you held captive and enslaved by the sin that so easily entangles you, that “you will not be enslaved by anything” … but Jesus! He is all that matters! So, the next time you have the opportunity to share your faith to your friends… remember your freedom from insecurity and fear and trample over the whispers of the enemy as you tell your story. The next time you are faced with consequences of a past that you would rather forget… remember that you are free from the guilt and shame that tries to keep you from resting in God’s amazing grace. The next time you are feeling helpless and weak to temptation… remember that no power or pull from the enemy is stronger than the grip of a great Savior who has bought you with His blood (v.20) and sealed you with His Spirit (v. 19). The next time you are feeling insecure and less than confident in a position that God has placed you in… remember that it is Him who has appointed you and not men. You have been set free from the endless pursuit of seeking the praise and approval of man and been given the commandment and the glorious permission to “worship and serve Him only” (Luke 4:8). There is a glorious freedom that is only reserved for the children of God because it comes at the price of His Son. The paradox comes in knowing that we will find greater freedom the more tightly we are tethered to the One in whom that freedom is found.
So remind yourself of your identity as God’s child today. Walk in freedom. Walk in boldness. Walk in joy. Walk in peace. Walk in thankfulness. Walk in confidence. Walk in power. Walk in love. Remember that your freedom from sin was bought with a precious price… so you are loved and valued more than you will ever comprehend. There is a song by Bethel music that sums this post up perfectly called “No Longer Slaves”. The first line of the chorus states “I’m no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God.” Remind yourself of whose you are and find your fulfillment and freedom in the presence of a great Savior… Jesus!
