Real Freedom (1 Peter 2:16-17)

SPIRITUAL DIARY

                                                                                                Date:  12-26-03

My Worship Time                                          Focus:  Real Freedom

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  1Peter 2:16,17

            Message of the verse:  “16  Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.  17  Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.”  (NASB95)  “16  You are not slaves; you are free. But your freedom is not an excuse to do evil. You are free to live as God’s slaves.  17  Show respect for everyone. Love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God. Show respect for the king.”  (NLT) 

            The NT believer in Jesus Chris has real freedom, and this is not some man made freedom, but freedom from doing evil, and freedom to be able, by God’s grace, to live a life that is pleasing to God.  Believers are not to use this new freedom in the Lord to justify and evil, but they are to be voluntary slave of God, because of what He has done for them.  Believers are to honor all people because all people are made in the image of God.  Believers are to love the brethren because of the unity we have in Jesus Christ.  Believers are to fear God with a reverent fear knowing that He is all powerful and also because it will give them wisdom.  Believers are to honor those in control of them as far as government because it is God who set up human government. 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  Sometimes it is easy to think more highly myself than what I should because of the grace and mercy that God has given to me through Jesus Christ.  When I do this I am not living in the freedom that has been given to me by Jesus Christ.  Arrogance and selfishness are two sins I have to deal with each and every day, especially during this time when God’s grace has been so powerful in saving those He has put on my heart to pray for and wittiness to. 

The Word of God has been convicting to me as I read it this morning, and it has also presented challenges.

My Steps of Faith Today:  God has reminded me of Proverbs 15:1 to help me deal with things at home.  “A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.”

Memory verse for the week:  1Corinthians 10:13

            13.  No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide a way of escape also, so that you may be able to endure it.