Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. (Galatians 2:3-5)
God gave Adam and Eve one rule. “Do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” They could not keep that straightforward instruction even though God promised they would surely die. Jesus died to free us. We don’t have to follow rules to be saved because Jesus made us righteous in God’s eyes.
God also gave us one law: to love God and each other—a rule that promotes joy and shouldn’t cause conflict. But Satan doesn’t want us to be happy, so he uses people to remove our liberty and enslave us. Paul says anyone who tries to take away the freedom that Jesus died for is a false believer. And if we give into their demands, the gospel will cease to exist.
Are you a slave to someone’s demands? When you surrender your freedom, you’ll lose your joy and ability to accomplish God’s will.
Do you force rules on other adults, keeping them from a relationship with God because they don’t want to be like you?
Father, I praise you for the freedom we have in Jesus. Remind me to love and not demand. Help me free myself from burdens that sadden me and keep me from your will. Bind my family and me closer to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
AS long as we believe in Jesus, we are saved. He died to give us the peace in knowing this truth. We don’t have to follow others rules to be saved. We are already saved. We are so fortunate to have this knowledge and the peace that comes from this knowledge. Satan may try to take this away from us but he can not unless we allow this to happen.
Praying for you and your family these last couple of days to be safe from the hurricane.
Thanks for your prayers! Hurricane Ian skirted all around us. But I feel bad for those around Ft. Myers. The destruction there is so sad. I loved Ft. Myers beach. Thanks also for your comment. Let’s not let Satan take our peace and freedom in Jesus. Love you, Sis. I am praying for you and your family.