Living Well: Freedom

Romans 8:1-4; Luke 13:10-17

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

“Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Luke 13:12

Freedom is the foundation of American democracy and a core Christian value. We cherish this vital part of human society as protected by the Constitution. What makes the United States unique in the political world is its commitment to defending human freedom. Abraham Lincoln is known as the “Great Emancipator,” but the greatest emancipator of all time was Jesus Christ, whose purpose in coming to the world is to set all people free from their sins and bondage (Luke 4:17-21).

Our texts today highlight two essential aspects of freedom for Christians: spiritual and physical freedom. The story of the disabled woman who was healed and restored provides insight into the blessings we receive as Christians, encompassing both body and soul. Her healing represents not only the restoration of her physical health but also her liberation from spiritual bondage. By referring to her as the "daughter of Abraham," Jesus affirms her dignity and worth despite her years of suffering. This woman’s healing inspires joy from the freedom she experiences.

Paul's letter to the Romans emphasizes the benefits of our freedom as Christians. We are no longer under condemnation. The word “condemnation” in the original language refers to someone who has been judged guilty and is liable to the penalty of that crime. We are guilty. And we deserve the death penalty. But for those who have trusted in Jesus, there is no longer a guilty verdict or a death sentence. Rom. 5:1-2 – Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Condemnation always has penalties! There was a news article of a story of someone who faced a harsh penalty for his behavior in a federal court in Will County, IL, in August of 2009.

“Clifton Williams was attending a hearing for his cousin in Joliet. He was charged with and pleaded guilty to a felony drug charge. As Judge Daniel Rozak gave the defendant  the sentence for two years of probation, Williams held up outstretched arms and gave a loud, audible yawn. The judge decided that this behavior was a disrespectful interruption of his court and sentenced him to six months in jail – the maximum penalty for contempt of court without a jury trial.”

Nobody likes condemnation. Nobody likes to face the penalty for their wrongdoing. Penalties are never enjoyable. Paul shares Jesus' proclamation of good news of liberation (Luke 4:17-21) by affirming that “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1).

The most significant aspect of being a Christian is the spiritual freedom we now possess. This spiritual freedom produces many other blessings we enjoy in our Christian lives. Because of Christ, we are free from the eternal penalty and daily bondage of sin. We can approach God in prayer with confidence, knowing He will answer us.  We have the freedom to build a personal relationship with our Creator and live as His children without fear of discrimination. It is truly wonderful to be a Christian and experience this spiritual freedom!

What are we supposed to do with this freedom? Let’s learn from the woman in the story who immediately started to praise the Lord! True freedom is found in living according to the Spirit and freeing ourselves from things that can enslave us again. Paul states that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh along with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-25).

Living well as Christians is living in the Spirit, which provides the ideal environment for God's children. It is within this realm that we truly experience liberating freedom. As  stated by Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:17, “...where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Additionally, Psalm 119:45 expresses, “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.”

Living well as Christians involves being in a relationship with Christ. To be in Christ means that a believer walks, thrives, and lives each day grounded in this relationship. Spiritually, believers are united with all that Christ represents. They bring their lives and past sins to His feet, entrusting everything they are and possess into Jesus' hands with faith. Such individuals have the assurance that they will never be separated from the love of God that is found in Christ (Romans 8:35-39). Since Christ lived, died, and rose again, being in Christ means that a person, too, will live, die, and ultimately rise again.

Living well as Christians means embracing both our physical and spiritual freedom. We may face challenges similar to those experienced by the disabled woman, but our faith in Jesus assures us that we will be freed from physical ailments and find relief from our spiritual and emotional burdens. Living well involves the assurance of the freedom we have in Christ.