Breakthrough

In Judges 7:9, the Lord told Gideon to go into the enemy’s camp to receive confirmation that the Midianites would be delivered into his hand. The Lord had culled Gideon’s men down to 300, and the enemy had thousands. Gideon was naturally afraid. His eyes were on his lack of resources instead of God’s promise.

A lot of us can identify with Gideon because we, too, have known fear. Gideon had a hard time coming to grips with the fact God had chosen him to do something significant. Gideon had already put out two fleeces because of his fear, and the Lord had revealed that Israel would be delivered (Judges 6:36-40). Now in Judges 7:10, the Lord tells Gideon if he is still afraid to attack, he is to take his servant with him into the enemy’s camp. There he will hear something that will encourage and strengthen him.

Going into the enemy’s camp sounds unreasonable to our thinking. Walking right into danger makes no sense. Why would Gideon do it? Because his fear was overwhelming him, and he desperately needed to trust God. There are somethings we can’t receive where we are safe. Somethings that we hunger for, we have actually protected ourselves from. Many times, we have made ourselves so comfortable where we are that access to what we have asked can only be found in surrender to what makes no sense to our natural minds.

Even though Gideon was afraid, he took his servant and under the cover of night he responded quickly to the Lord’s instruction. He heard two men talking. One man was saying to the other that he had this dream that a loaf of barley bread rolled down the hill and wiped out their tent. The other man immediately answered that this was none other than Gideon, the servant of the Lord, who would wipe them out.

This was just what Gideon needed to hear. His faith soared even though nothing in the natural had changed. He still faced overwhelming odds. But now he didn’t see them. He walked boldly back out of the enemy’s camp, giving instruction to his men. Gideon got his courage but he got it in an unexpected way. He walked right into the enemy’s camp to hear a word from the Lord. Gideon heard what he needed to hear. He got the word he needed to get, and he went forward with 300 men. Blowing trumpets and smashing jars, the Midianites heard what they believed was a great army and fled. Gideon had won the moment He believed God. It was his breakthrough.

Have you kept yourself so safe that you have missed the breakthrough God has for you? You must break down the barriers that have insulated you, and expect to hear God. Most often you must step out of your comfort zone to hear him. God speaks in the most unusual ways, but He speaks so that you can hear and understand. He speaks to give you hope and reinforce what He has promised you. He speaks desiring you to trust Him and respond to Him in faith.

Several years ago, I found myself in Gideon’s place. The Word of God promised me victory, but I was worn out from fear and fleeces that never gave lasting security. The Holy Spirit took me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to believe God’s unquestionable truth for me. I knew doubt wasn’t an option. In the darkness, I heard His promise. After months of sowing His Word in my heart, my faith soared. I knew I was healed, and it was OK that my body didn’t know it yet. My heart did. Jesus had overcome. My victory wasn’t someday. It was now. It had already been secured by His precious blood for me a long time ago. I had all I needed. I had Jesus.

What I am seeking is not just found in knowledge. It’s found in His Presence. Bold faith is discovered in quiet trust. I’m not there in my journey, but I’m going in that direction. Each day is another beginning and another instruction for His Life to change me. If I let go of the One in whom I believe, I will drown in the evil the enemy plans for me. I refuse to play into his hands. May I never allow myself to let go of this precious gift His grace has given me.

God’s Word doesn’t lie. God was never the problem. The problem was I didn’t believe Him in my heart. God didn’t cause my illness. In the darkness, I finally heard Him. I had never grasped the true power of God’s grace until the hope I heard in the enemy’s camp moved me to believe Him in my heart.

Jesus desires to build quiet trust in you and in me so we can stand strong in our faith. Believe Him. Don’t doubt because you see no proof. Keep your eyes on His faithful promises and not what you lack. Trust Him in your valley. God is higher and above everything. Jesus has won, and the enemy has fled the camp.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it’” (Isaiah 30:15).

Lord Jesus, I choose all of it. I choose you.



www.lynnlacher.com/2025/08/breakthrough.com

Please God

But without faith it is impossible to please Him.
—Hebrews 11:6

Some Christians don’t believe it’s God’s will to heal them. They think their sickness is God’s way of testing them, or that they’re not good enough to be healed, or that God can’t decide if they should be. God is the Creator of all things good and not the author of evil. He doesn’t cause or use evil to achieve a divine work in you. He’s made all believers worthy of His healing, and He never changes. If we’re not sure if God will keep His promises, like healing or any other truth, then we can’t have faith. And without faith, we can’t please Him.

Faith needs to be based on the unwavering certainty of God’s true nature, His promises, and His will. If these truths are in question, faith becomes impossible, and therefore, pleasing Him becomes impossible. Calling “whatever will be will be” faith is dishonest. If that were the true definition of faith, our best advice would be to just accept life’s events and let them happen.

But that isn’t the true definition of faith! “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). 

Faith begins with hope, especially the kind of hope grounded in God’s promises. Is it wrong to assume God desires to fulfill His promises? Is it wrong to have hope? Apparently not, because without faith to receive what is hoped for, it is impossible to please God. Doubters face a serious issue. Can they truly please God with their unbelief in His true nature and promises? The answer is a resounding no.

If healing is only God’s will sometimes, why did Jesus always heal? Didn’t He come to fulfill God’s will? 

Why did Jesus command twelve disciples to heal the sick, seventy more to heal the sick, and then the church to heal the sick? 

After Jesus was resurrected, why did all who came to the first church in Jerusalem get healed? Why did Jesus bless the church with gifts of healing? Why did healing happen throughout the book of Acts? 

Why did James ask the church if there were any sick among them, and then explain how to get healed (James 5:14-16)? Because these people had faith. They pleased God.

Never let another believer’s doubting words tempt you not to seek God’s Word. Never listen to the enemy who will use the words and experience of anyone he can to keep you from God's promise. Never allow their unbelief to put down roots in your heart.  

God’s Word was sent to heal you (Psalm 107:20).  It’s alive and active, just waiting on your response. When you seek and find His Word for you, seize it, put it down deep in your heart, and hold on to it with everything you have. Reach beyond everything that comes to steal and kill the promise Jesus died to manifest in you. God rewards those who believe and diligently seek Him. Believe His Word, and please Him.

The Gift of Choice

Predestination is the belief that all events have been willed or determined beforehand by God—that He has already decided who will be saved and who will be condemned. With this belief, individuals have no control over their fate. This fatalistic view asserts that all events are inevitable and predetermined by a sovereign God. 

I believe that this doctrine creates a tension between an all-knowing God who controls the world and man’s free will to make choices. You have the freedom to make your own choice. I have considered the following Scriptural references in making my choice.

If God has already predetermined the fate of man’s soul, leaving no room for man to choose, why does He commission the church to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations? Since each man’s eternal destiny is already sealed, isn’t it a futile endeavor? If our fate is predetermined, why would Paul assert, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher” (Romans 10:14)?

If man’s fate is predetermined, he lacks the freedom to obey or disobey God. Therefore, why does God command us to make choices? “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). 

Why does God strongly urge us to “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7)?  If there is no such thing as personal choice, and if the devil only does God’s will, then resisting the devil would be resisting God. 

If sickness and suffering are God’s preordained will, why did Jesus instruct the church to go throughout the world and lay hands on the sick to heal them (Mark 16:18)? 

If sickness is preordained, why does James inquire about those who are sick and then offer instruction on how to receive healing (James 5:14-16)?

What’s the purpose of prayer if everything is predetermined and there’s nothing we can do to alter the course of events? If God has predetermined everything, why does James emphasize the significance of fervent prayer, stating that it can have a profound impact on our lives? What benefit does fervent prayer even offer us?

Why did Jesus rebuke those with little faith (Matthew 8:26) and commend those with great faith (Matthew 8:10)? If what happens in our lives is predetermined by God, there is no need for faith.

Is there any point in asking and seeking God if our prayers have no effect? If my life’s circumstances are already set in stone, why bother trying to improve my situation through prayer?

Why do those who believe that a hardened heart is predetermined by God neglect the teaching of Scripture that says, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13)? This was written to believers and shows that hardness of heart is not ordained by God but rather the result of the deceitfulness of sin.

If God has predetermined everything according to His will, why is it impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6)?  If God has chosen who will and won’t have faith, wouldn’t He be pleased if we don’t have it?

Why would a predestined believer need to “labor to enter into that rest” if he has no choice nor will in the matter? If God had chosen him to believe for all eternity, why would He be warned in Hebrews 4:11 not to fall into unbelief? “Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”

If God predestines everything, what difference does it make if we ask according to His will? “And this is the confidence that we have in Him that if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us” (1 John5:14).

Why must the just live by faith (Hebrews 10:38) if their salvation is preordained? What does it matter how they live if there is no chance to change their destiny?

Why does Jesus exhort the man He healed to “sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (John 5:14)?  If you believe in predestination, hasn’t God already predetermined all the good or bad that will ever happen to that man in spite of his lifestyle? 

If nothing can come against the will of God, then why could Jesus not perform any miraculous works in His own town because of unbelief (Mark 6:1-5)? 

If salvation is preordained and assured, then why was Paul concerned for his own salvation? “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Why are life and death in the power of the tongue and not the result of the “sovereign will of God?” (Proverbs 18:21) “That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9).

Why must we run with patience the race that is set before us if the outcome of that race is already predetermined by God? Why does it matter how we run the race (Hebrews 12:1)? If God is control of everything, He is in control of my choices. Why even try?

What is your view of God? Of His sovereignty? You may not consider yourself as one who believes in predestination, but I ask you to look at how you view the sovereignty of God. God hasn’t predetermined your fate. He hasn’t predetermined what is going to happen and your outcome. He doesn’t control the decisions you make. It matters what you choose. It matters if you pray. It matters how you run your race. It matters if you live by faith and if your faith pleases God.

Unbelief hinders God's ability to work in your life. Don’t believe in a fatalistic God. It makes you passive. God has never been passive about you. He proved Himself to you in sending His Son to save you. For His grace to work in your life, your response is needed. And faith is the required response (Ephesians 2:8). There would be no reason to respond to a God who is in control of every aspect of your life. A person who is obedient to the faith is a person who knows God has given them the gift of choice.



 

The Fellowship of Faith

Many Christians have a common understanding of faith. They believe that if we understand faith, recognize its potential, and align ourselves with God’s will, we are inherently in faith. However, life has demonstrated that our faith doesn’t always manifest the Truth of God’s Word as anticipated. This can leave some believers confused or some even bitter, questioning, “I know I have faith. Why doesn’t it work?”

Questioning why faith doesn’t work suggests an underlying issue: faith is not a stand-alone principle or belief system that can be called upon at will. For believers, faith is the manifestation of their relationship with the Father, not a principle or belief system lacking fellowship with Him.

“Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says” (Mark 11:23-24)

Looking at these verses, we see that our faith must be in God, not in principles, rules, or even our renewed minds. Paul said, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed” (2 Timothy 1:12). Faith is a realization of trust, confidence, and assurance in God. We can only know God confidently with the deepest trust and assurance when we are in fellowship with Him. Mark goes on to say that in the realm of faith, we cannot doubt, but believe from the heart. This is where we often miss it. We are trying to believe with our minds or with our emotions, but maybe we aren’t believing from the heart.

“For with the heart one believes…” (Romans 10:10). Faith is of the heart, not the head. It is spiritual, not mental. It is called the “spirit of faith” in 2 Corinthians 4:13, and the spirit of faith speaks from the heart with no doubt.

We often speak to our needs and circumstances, but are we doubting? If something is not happening, is it God’s fault, or is it our lack of faith? Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Perhaps, we are trying to bring to Life something apart from “hearing Him.” Jesus could only do what He saw and heard from the Father. We can never improve on that which we witness and hear in fellowship with the Father.

Never give up on your promise. Abraham didn’t waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith (Romans 4:20). If your promise is only in your mind and not sown and conceived in your heart, that promise will receive the brunt of your doubt. Faith speaks from the heart, not from the mind. The manifestation of your promise is never something that happens by just believing it with your mind, will and emotions. It is born of faith and receives Life in fellowship with the Father.

Yes, never give up on your promise, but being consumed with receiving it will keep you obsessed on your promise instead of your relationship with the Lord. Your promise is not something to be gained; it is something that is inherent in your relationship with Him and manifests in fellowship with Him. The Father has never left or forsaken you. If you seek Him, you will find Him (Matthew 7:8). 




 

When Truth Becomes Life

I’ve heard good Christian teachers and read good Christian authors who have presented truths that seemed more like formulas to guide me from one point to another instead of something that quickened my heart. While the lessons themselves were valid, there was an underlying emptiness.

One day, I approached John 14:6 with a fresh perspective. Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can reach the Father except through me.” 

Perhaps, many of us have grasped that Jesus is the Way and the Truth, yet are missing the spirit of the Life? Can we separate Truth from Life and still have Life? As a teacher and writer for years, I admit that I have been guilty of this mistake. Truth is powerful, and it sets people free (John 8:31-32), but truth (in this context, good teaching) cannot stand alone apart from Life.

Life is fellowship with God. Adam and Eve were created to walk and converse with God in the Garden of Eden. Truth, in my view, emanates from fellowship with Him. We often speak of “relationship” with God, but we rarely discuss “fellowship.” Relationship is inherited, while fellowship is a choice.

Truth that is disconnected from Life can be reduced to a formula. However, Truth that emanates from fellowship with the Father becomes Life. John comprehended this and expressed it as follows: “We declare to you what we have seen and heard, so that you may also have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3).

John’s intention in writing this letter was to invite others into the same fellowship with the Father and the Son that he had. Everything a person needs is derived from his relationship and fellowship with the Father and Son. Those who seek only what God can produce in their lives and not God Himself will always struggle to receive. Those who cherish a genuine fellowship with the Father and Son will naturally receive everything they require as a consequence of that profound relationship. That which we witness and hear in fellowship with the Father is Truth and Life.

You cannot separate Truth from Life and still have Life. Until we choose true fellowship with the Father, we will be left with mere formulas and frustration. I have personally experienced this, and you probably have as well. I strongly encourage you to seek fellowship with the Father. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the Truth of His Word to you. It will never be a formula; it will be Life.

A Root of Bitterness

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.


— Hebrews 12:15

When a person becomes offended and doesn’t deal with the cause of his bitterness, that bitterness can persist within him for a long time, eventually putting down deep roots in his soul. Essentially, this is the message of Hebrews 12:15, which emphasizes the importance of vigilance to prevent deep-seated bitterness. Bitterness in our lives doesn’t just hurt or poison us, but also other people. Hebrews 12:15 shows that we should diligently walk in a way that influences others in a positive manner.

The word “root” is the Greek word “ridzo.” It refers to a root that has gone down deep and is now deeply embedded. Therefore, the word “ridzo” often denotes something that is firmly established or fixed.

Has someone hurt you? If you fail to turn away from bitterness and eliminate it from your life, it will become deeply ingrained in you. Your negative opinion of the person who has offended you will become firmly established. As time passes, your judgmental thoughts about that person will grow, and in your mind, they will be thoroughly justified. This root of bitterness will become so deeply ingrained within you that your angry thoughts about the person who has offended you will actually start to make sense to you. 

When a root of bitterness becomes deeply ingrained in your mind, it transforms into a intimidating stronghold. This stronghold dominates your thoughts and feelings, providing you with numerous, and what you perceive as logical, reasons not to have any contact with that person.

The word “bitterness” was translated from the Greek word “pikria,”and it means “acridity (especially poison), literally or figuratively” (Strong’s Concordance). The Houghton Mifflin American Heritage Dictionary defines “bitter” as “exhibiting or proceeding from strong animosity; having or marked by resentfulness or disappointment.” 

Bitterness is like an acid that poisons your soul. It not only harms you but those around you. When it manifests, it often leads to mocking, insulting, cynical, and wounding behavior. Instead of seeking positive aspects in the person who caused the offense, bitterness focuses on negative remarks to influence others’ perceptions of that person.

If you find yourself always criticizing someone who has hurt or upset you, it might be a warning of a deepening root of bitterness. If this lesson convicts you, it’s imperative to confront and address this root of bitterness through repentance and forgiveness. You cannot just cut it off at the surface level and hope it doesn’t grow back; you must uproot its whole root system, intentionally turning away from your negativity and forgiving the offense and the offender. In doing this, you can find freedom from that root’s devastating control. However, if you fail to repent, allowing forgiveness to flow, bitterness will become so deeply embedded in you that it will eventually consume you with the evil it manifests in your life.

If the Holy Spirit is right now addressing a negative attitude you have toward someone, pay attention to Him. Spend quality time with the Lord. As you draw closer to Him, you will find yourself overwhelmed with the need to turn away from that bitter attitude. You will surrender that root of bitterness to Him, allowing Him to remove it. God desires to liberate you from this root of bitterness, but you must first invite Him to liberate you.

*******

Lord Jesus, I ask you to reveal any unforgiveness or resentment that resides in me, just waiting to wear me out and tear me into shreds. I refuse to allow any root of bitterness to grow deep into my heart. The moment I see bitterness trying to put down roots in me, I will dig it up and turn away from its evil influence in my life. I am tired of walking around with this offensive monkey on my back. He is heavy, draining, and has stolen sweet life from me. With your help, Lord Jesus, I will destroy this offense that has claimed my heart, I will rip up any growing root, and walking in forgiveness, I will stay free. Thank you, Jesus. I choose freedom. I choose you.

 

Humility Comes Before Honor

 

At that time, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”
—Matthew 18:1-5

In Matthew 18:1-5, Jesus responds to the disciples’ question about the greatest in the kingdom of heaven by using the example of humbling oneself as a child.

It’s intriguing that Jesus chose a young child to exemplify humility. While it’s true that children possess a purity and humility that adults don’t normally have, they certainly aren’t selfless. Children enter this world entirely self-centered, demanding what they want when they want it. Parents must teach their children to put aside self-centeredness.

Humility is a quality that comes from relying on God rather than ourselves. It has always been a key to success. Jesus’ teachings on humility weren’t new; what made them incredible was how Jesus lived out this virtue in a way no one ever had.

Humility denies self. Self-denial is exactly the opposite of the world’s way of exalting one’s self at everyone else’s expense. Self-denial wouldn’t work if there was no God; success would only come through human effort, and anyone humble would be trampled underfoot. But humility does work. God exalts those who truly humble themselves and surrender to His will in their lives ( 1 Peter 5:6).

Philippians 4:6 in the New King James Version instructs us to let our gentleness be evident to all. Gentleness is a voluntary choice; we actively choose to be humble. However, if we are compelled to be humble, it becomes a form of self-humiliation rather than true humility. Philippians 4:6 emphasizes that gentleness should permeate our lives, making it evident to everyone. When we truly humble ourselves before God and become totally dependent on Him, gentleness becomes a dominant trait in our demeanor and actions. 

True humility is a step of faith—a step of faith that God is the judge and promotion and honor come from Him (Psalm 75:6-7). It is a step of faith that God will resist the proud but give grace unto the humble (1 Peter 5:5). Humility is trusting in God and not in ourselves. This is precisely why it’s easy to be humble when we’ve failed, but hard to be humble when we’ve achieved great success. Paul instructed Timothy not to put a novice into a position of leadership in the church because pride is self-sufficiency and self-exaltation, while humility is self-denial and dependence on God.

“A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor” (Proverbs 29:23).

Pride can bring us low, but humility helps us stay honorable. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride will ultimately destroy us, but humility will honor us. Proverbs 15:33, 18:12, and 22:4 all declare that humility is a source of honor.

Whoever humbles himself is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. God's kingdom is built upon this principle of humility coming before honor. God's kind of love is selfless as can be seen in Jesus’ own demeanor and actions, and ultimately in the way He humbled himself so we might know the love of the Father.  Pride is the only reason that strife comes (Proverbs 13:10); so remember, humility is the absolute key to walking in love with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Humility always comes before honor.

Through Faith

        
Have you ever faced a problem and sought God’s intervention to solve it? Yet, deep within your heart, you heard Him ask, “What are you going to do about it?”

This question reminds me of 2 Peter 1:3:

“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”

God has provided me with all the things I need to navigate any situation in life. Through knowledge of Him, who has called me “by glory and virtue,” I possess all that pertains to living a godly life, confidently handling any challenging issue. Vision and faith play a crucial role in many aspects of life, and God has already taken care of His part. In Christ, He has gifted us with everything we need. However, the challenge lies in our lack of understanding and acknowledgment of the Word He has given us.

Are you struggling with a broken relationship, a poor health report, or financial difficulties? Sometimes, our religious response is to implore God to intervene instead of employing the promises He has already given in His Word. However, God is my Father, not a distant, hands-off God that must be convinced to provide something He has already given. I have a relationship with Him. He patiently waits for me to believe His Word, pray His will, step out of the place I have settled, and act on the faith He has given me. 

Life and death are in the power of the words we speak (Proverbs 18:21). Have you spoken healing and provision to your need?

Have you prayed for and forgiven those who have wronged you (Matthew 5:44-45)?

Have you honored God with your giving and sowed it in faith (Proverbs 3:9-10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-11)?

Have you resisted the enemy (James 4:7)?

Have you spoken to the mountains in your life and believed you have received victory (Mark 11:22-24)?

Far too often, we become complacent and even fatalistic in the face of life’s circumstances; we just give up. Some people resort to imploring God for intervention, only to become upset when the problems persist. Instead of trusting in God’s promises and stepping out in faith expecting to receive His promise, we often sit back and just wait on His divine intervention to resolve our issues. 

What if God is patiently waiting for us to take that first step of faith? 

The heavens, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; but the earth He has given to the children of men (Psalm 115:16).

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet (Psalm 8:6).

God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). As the Creator, they are His. However, God gave dominion of the earth to man (Genesis 1:28). He placed the earth under man’s authority, and man gave away his authority to Satan (Romans 6:16). God Himself could not intervene in what man had done, but when God came in the flesh as Jesus, Satan faced His defeat. God had become a man and, as such, had power and authority to execute judgment on the earth (John 5:27). And He did, destroying Satan’s dominion, returning it to man, and giving us authority over all the works of the enemy.  

For many of us, it’s time to break free from our passiveness, embrace faith, and exercise the authority Jesus has returned to us. Without faith, we can’t please the Lord (Hebrews 11:6).

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith (1 John 5:4).

The faith you have received is born of God; it overcomes whatever you face in life. But for faith to overcome, it must be used. It may be as small as a mustard seed, but when you use it, your life will be powerfully transformed. 

Restoration is yours in Jesus Christ. Jesus has done all He can to restore you to an intimate relationship with the Father, complete with all its inherent blessings. Peter understood restoration (John 21: 15-19). He wrote that God's divine power has given us all we need to experience an overcoming and victorious life. Through faith, you enter into the abundant life Jesus has purchased on your behalf, taking by force what is no longer the enemy’s (Matthew 11:12). 

Jesus has restored all of you.

The Measure of Faith

For I say, through the grace given to me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.
—Romans 12:3 KJV

In this verse, Paul is addressing believers, urging them to live out the gospel he had just shared. Paul declares that God has already dealt to every believer “the” measure of faith. The usage of the definitive article, “the,” is significant to our understanding.


God didn’t give some Christians a lot of faith and others just a little. We all have the same amount of faith in Christ. The Apostle Paul said that the faith he lived by was “the” faith of Christ (Galatians 2:20, KJV). It’s possible for Christians to only use a small part of what God has given them or even none of the faith the Lord has given them. But it’s there. It’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). We first have to acknowledge what we have received (Philemon 1:6) and then learn how to use it.

Paul starts his sentence with “for.” This means that what he is saying in Romans 12:3 is a logical conclusion to what he has already said in Romans 12:2. Paul had just reminded them that being a “living sacrifice” (being humble and submissive) was the key to true success. He then added another reason why they should be humble: everyone has been given the same amount of faith. 

We all have perfect plans for our lives that we can “prove” if we will totally surrender ourselves to God (Romans 12:2). We may have different gifts, but they are not better than anyone else’s. The point Paul was making is that we shouldn’t regard ourselves as higher or lower than we ought to. We need to remember that any good thing we have is a gift from God (1 Corinthians 4:7). Paul instructs us to have neither a demeaning nor a puffed-up way of thinking, but to “think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.” When we recognize that what we have is a gift from God that each of us possesses, this “sobers” us. Some of us live up to more of our potential than others, but it’s only God’s mercy that makes it possible for any of us to accomplish anything.

We have faith, but because many of us lack the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2), we don’t know how to effectively use our faith. Peter said we had “like precious faith” with him (2 Peter 1:1). The same faith that Peter used to heal the lame man at the Gate Beautiful (Acts 3:6-9) and raise Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9:36-41) is the same faith that we have. 

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by ‘the’ faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, KJV).

Paul said he was living his Christian life by the faith of the Son of God. Since we’ve all been given “the” measure of faith, it follows that we all possess the faith of the Son of God within us. Our faith is sufficient. As Christ is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).

However, many of us don’t acknowledge the faith we have received. In the same way that power flows from a power source through a cable to charge a cell phone, so our minds are what allow the faith of God in our born-again spirits to flow into our souls and bodies, transforming and conforming us to His image. If our minds aren't renewed, then it’s like having a faulty and insufficient cable. The power is there, but the power won’t flow. As believers, we have the same faith that Jesus has, but it won’t flow through us until we renew our minds through the Word of God.

“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:23-24).

All I Need

And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
—John 1:16

The Amplified Bible’s translation of John 1:16 reads, “For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift.”

John was speaking to believers in this verse, emphasizing that all believers have received the fullness of Jesus Christ. This is an extraordinary statement. Jesus possessed the full essence of the Godhead (Colossians 2:9), and to those who invite Jesus into their lives, we too have the fullness of God within us. We are complete in Jesus (Colossians 2:10). The rest of the Christian journey is not about receiving more from God, but rather about renewing our minds to what we have already received through Christ. 

Our spirits are not the issue. As born-again Christians, we each received a new spirit at salvation (2 Corinthians 5:17), which is identical to Jesus (1 John 4:17), because it is the Spirit of Jesus (Romans 8:9, Galatians 4:6). Our born-again spirits are always eager to fulfill God’s will. The challenge that arises is our flesh. Jesus addressed this in Matthew 26:41, when he said, “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Our born-again spirit is willing, but our soul and physical body, which constitute our flesh, are weak. 

The word “soul” originates from the Greek word “psuche,” which encompasses the mind, heart, and life. The Scriptures emphasize the soul’s need for knowledge, as evidenced in Proverbs 2:10, 19:2, and 24:14. Psalm 139:14 reveals that the soul possesses knowledge. It also demonstrates the ability to consider and counsel, as expressed in Psalm 13:2, to remember, as found in Lamentations 3:20, to choose, as evidenced in Job 7:15, to refuse, as seen in Job 6:7, to seek, as stated in Chronicles 22:19, to love, as expressed in 1 Samuel 18:1, Psalm 42:1, and Song of Solomon 1:7, to hate, as shown in 2 Samuel 5:8 and Psalm 107:18, to experience joy, as found in Psalm 86:4 and Isaiah 61:10, to grieve, as revealed in Judges 10:16, and to desire, as expressed in Deuteronomy 14:26 and 1 Samuel 20:4.

These Scriptures demonstrate that the mind is the primary component of the soul, followed by the will and emotions. The soul can also be referred to as the hidden facet of who we are or what some call our personality. It is the center of our feelings, emotions, appetites, and desires, as well as our sense of discernment and consciousness (1 Samuel 30:6, 2 Samuel 13:39, 2 Kings 4:27, Psalm 107:5, 9,18, 26, Matthew 26:38, Mark 12:33, John 12:27, Hebrews 4:12, 10:38).

Our flesh may be an issue, but "out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift.”

God has abundantly provided us with everything we need to walk in victory. However, as the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:7, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels.” Our born-again spirits, where God has bestowed all the fullness of His Godhead (Colossians 2:9-10), are confined within the boundaries of our flesh. The question is not about the completeness of the new life we have received in Christ; it is perfect. But we have a problem: it is out flesh. How determined are we to be transformed in our minds, hearts, and bodies? How surrendered are we to be changed from the inside out by the life of Christ within us?

As much as we strive to renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and act on the Word of God (James 2:20), we can experience His divine power manifesting in our physical lives. Just as muscles require exercise to enhance strength, our souls and physical bodies must also be exercised toward godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-8).

Our spirits are willing, but our flesh is weak. However, God’s power within me surpasses my flesh! My soul and body have the capacity to be shaped and transformed by the renewal of my mind, enabling me to discern and follow God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will (Romans 12:2). 

I have been crucified with Christ so that this treasure within my born-again spirit might be manifested in my life. Why would I ever refuse to know grace after grace, blessing upon blessing, and favor upon favor?  God has given me all I need. It is up to me to possess it by faith. I determine my outcome.

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5).

Illumine Me

“Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou had for me.”

Glimpses of God have never been enough to satisfy my insatiable hunger for Him. Discovering Him goes beyond mere glimpses. He desires me to know Him as He perceives me in Jesus Christ. The cross transformed everything. I shed the old for the new, forsaking sin for His righteousness, sickness for His health, lack for His provision, and death for His life. Knowing Him empowers His resurrection power, enabling me to live the new life He has given me. The Holy Spirit not only refines my heart but also unleashes the empowering truths of this new life within me. Knowing the Lord is His indwelling presence, revealing Himself to me. 

"The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:26-27).

For many years, I had a mental understanding of God, but I hadn’t allowed Him to reveal Himself in my heart. However, one day, the veil that bound me in darkness began to lift, and scales fell from my eyes, revealing the mystery that my spiritual blindness had concealed: Christ living within me and the riches of His glory manifesting in my life. This unveiling wasn’t just a fleeting glimpse; it was a profound revelation.

God desires that I receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. This revelation will open my eyes to His understanding, allowing me to grasp the hope of His calling, the riches of His glory, and the overwhelming power that resides within me when I believe in Him (Ephesians 1:17-19). This revelation is alive, breathing, and boundless. With every moment I seek His revelation, the Spirit enhances my comprehension. As I surrender myself to His wisdom and knowledge, the riches of His glory illuminate Jesus in my life until I know I have been crucified with Him, and His resurrection power is manifest and active within me. 

The Old Testament saints were unable to comprehend the New Covenant mysteries prophesied in the Old Covenant because they lacked divine revelation. They could not have fathomed that God Almighty would indwell and possess us in all His power and might.

God’s divine revelation goes beyond mere surface truths. I must continually seek the profound fullness of the riches of Christ residing within me. I cannot receive this revelation through mere glimpses. Instead, I must intentionally open myself to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to reveal the unconditional love Jesus poured out for me. I must always accept this ministry of the Holy Spirit, which unveils the riches of Jesus’ life within me. 

The Old Testament predicted the coming of the Messiah, but the idea that He would dwell within us was beyond anyone's comprehension. However, the New Testament affirms that Christ, through the Holy Spirit, takes permanent residence in all believers (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, and Ephesians 2:2). For many years, I had never sought the depth of my relationship with Jesus. I had just glimpsed what was on the surface. 

When I embraced the revelation of God's grace, I finally received the spirit of revelation of Jesus in me. I received His unwavering promise to indwell me and never forsake me. It was a testament to His immense love for me. If I truly grasped the implications of this revelation, loneliness and discouragement would become distant memories. Depression and self-pity would cease to exist. What would matter if others judged me if I genuinely understood Jesus's profound love for me?

The attitudes and fears exhibited by many believers suggest that the revelation of “Christ in us” is not widely embraced. However, Colossians 1:27 underscores our Father’s desire to unveil “the riches of the glory of this mystery” to us. God yearns to reveal Christ within us. This mystery is no longer a mystery; the secret of God’s merciful love for us has been unveiled. We should all endeavor to gain a deeper comprehension of this profound truth.

I eagerly anticipate the revelation of God’s truth, as guided by the Holy Spirit. He opens my eyes, allowing me to experience the manifestation of God’s truth. With each revelation, I am reminded of the wonderful truths that saved me from destruction and death. These truths empower me to overcome challenges in this life.

I have been crucified with Christ and this life I live in my flesh I live, not by faith in the Law, but by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. The Law sent Jesus to the cross for me. But grace lifted me. Grace raised me from the Law's condemnation and death to new life in Jesus. I have been crucified with Christ so that He may manifest Himself in me. 

The unhidden revelation of God’s truth is His will for my life.

“We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord”  (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

Open my eyes that I may see
Revelations of truth thou hast for me.
Place in my hand the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee.
Ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes; illumine me, Spirit divine. 

Amen, Father. Yes, and amen.





 

The God of More Than We Imagine

 

When we consider the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New, it might at first seem like we’re dealing with two different Gods. God didn’t suddenly become kinder between the Old and New Testaments. God has always been merciful, forgiving, and loving. So, if God has always been merciful and hasn’t changed, what has changed?

The change lies in the way we relate to God.

When we consider the New Covenant and the new creation Christ has made us, the way we relate to God must also change. We can only understand God as our Father through the New Covenant, which fulfills and gives life to the Old. Some people compare themselves to Job. Jesus didn’t say, “if you have seen Job, you have seen the Father.” He said, “if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.” 

Jesus came so we might see Him, and in seeing Him, see the Father. He opens us to see beyond what we perceive naturally. Jesus is the author of abundant life. The devil brings everything that steals, kills, and destroys. When you open your heart to a God who is greater, kinder, loving, more concerned for you than you could ever have imagined, you begin to expect His goodness in your life.

Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Matthew 6:30, NKJV)

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:11, NKJV)

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! (Luke 11:13, NKJV)

Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? (Luke 12:24, NKJV)

Since we have been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him? (Romans 5:9, NIV)

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (Romans 5:10, NIV)

 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! (Romans 5:15, NIV)

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! (Romans 5:17, NIV)

The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more. (Romans 5:20, NIV).

 If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God! (2 Corinthians 3:9, NLT)

So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever! (2 Corinthians 3:11, NLT)

By so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. (Hebrews 7:22, NKJV)

Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. (Hebrews 9:14, NLT).

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20, NKJV). 

Our Father is a God of so much more than our limited natural minds can imagine. Yes, we live in a fallen world and will face persecution, but these challenges don’t prevent the Holy Spirit from promising us an exceedingly abundant life! We must see beyond what we perceive as limitations. 

God’s heart is for His children to experience His beloved Son working and overflowing “bountifully” in their lives! It is the Word that produces in us; we don’t produce the Word! Do you “hear” the Father's promises in your heart? Meditate on His promises, and sow them in your heart, expecting them to come true.

And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted! (Mark 4:20, NLT).

God’s True Nature

What you believe about God profoundly impacts your life. If you believe He is harsh and angry, you will never feel safe in His presence. On the other hand, if you believe He is good and merciful, you will be eager to draw near to Him.

To have a real relationship with God, we need to get to know Him better. If you’re not fully committed, passionate, and sold out for Him, it’s probably because you don’t understand how completely committed, passionate, and sold out God is for you. If you think God is angry and unpredictable, you’ll probably push Him away, especially when you mess up. If we don’t understand God’s true nature, we’ll be easy targets for the devil’s intimidation and condemnation.

Understanding the connection between judgment in the Old Testament and grace in the New Testament is crucial for living a fulfilling life in Christ. The Old Testament has some tough passages that can be confusing. On the one hand, it talks about God punishing people who don’t obey Him. On the other hand, the New Testament shows a different picture of a loving and forgiving God. At first, it might seem like we’re dealing with two different Gods. But the real issue isn’t that God is angry and loving at the same time. It’s that we don’t fully understand Him.

God didn’t suddenly become kinder between the Old and New Testaments. In Jeremiah 31:3, God declares: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” God has always been merciful and full of love. Malachi 3:6 affirms this: “I am the Lord, and I do not change.” 

The God of the Old is also the God of the New. So, if God hasn’t changed, what has changed? The change lies in the way we relate to God.

Under the Old Testament, there was no idea of a new birth to redeem man. As a result, the only means God had to address sin was through judgment. This was the covenant that the people were obligated to uphold, and it was crucial in guiding them toward the realization of their need for a Savior. 

Some Christians read the Old Testament and think God is cruel. But they don’t realize the distinction between the Old and New Covenants. So, they mix their purposes, and that makes it confusing about who God really is. The Old Covenant Law wasn’t meant to show us God’s love or help us get close to Him. It was meant to show us God’s perfect standard, which we could never meet, and to make us realize that we could never earn righteousness. Christ fulfilled the perfect standards of the Old Covenant, earning righteousness on our behalf. This righteousness enables us to draw near to God with unhindered closeness.

The Law makes sin come alive in us (Romans 7:9). It doesn’t help us overcome sin but actually strengthens it (1 Corinthians 15:56). The Law keeps us comparing ourselves to God and to others. We might reason: “I may not be perfect, but I’m better than others, so I must be acceptable.” However, God doesn’t evaluate us based on a comparative scale. As James 2:10 emphasizes, even a single violation of the Law makes us guilty of all violations. The Law wasn’t a strict rule book to earn God’s approval. Instead, it showed us how we fell short of God’s perfect standards and encouraged us to reach out to God for mercy.

The Law, a ministry of death and condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:7-9), was meant to silence us rather than lift us up. It wasn’t meant to help us connect with God; instead, it was designed to lead us to our own downfall. When people thought they were doing good, God’s standard raised the bar and showed them that they couldn’t succeed without Him.

Under the New Covenant, Jesus bore the punishment and wrath that sin deserved at the cross. When you finally comprehend that God doesn’t judge you based on your inability to adhere to the Laws of the Old Testament, but rather on the accomplishments of Jesus on your behalf, you will truly grasp the depth of God’s love for you.

The cross transforms everything. If you haven’t truly felt the weight of your sins, you won’t fully understand the freedom that comes with the cross. And if you’re judging yourself by the Laws of the Old Testament instead of letting His grace define you, you’re missing out on the opportunity to have a close relationship with Him.

Understanding the true nature of God will transform your life. God is love, and He unconditionally loves you. He doesn’t see any sin because the debt for your sin has been fully paid. There is no way to pay what His Son has already paid. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace (Romans 6:14). Rather than striving to prove to yourself that God loves you, let God prove His love to you.

When the revelation of God’s grace comes alive in your mind and heart, your faith will flourish, and you will begin to receive more profound understanding from God than ever before. Once you receive a genuine revelation of God’s nature and the extent of His love for you, you will no longer hide from Him; instead, you will hunger for Him and seek Him out. Your life will become a powerful testament to His goodness. And what you have freely received, you shall freely give.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:7-10).

God so loved you, and He so loved me. The love of God has been freely given to us. He never sees the faults I see; He only sees my need. May I continually receive the revelation of His grace, liberating me from the yoke of bondage. May I be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. May Jesus, full of grace and truth, be manifested in my life—again and again and again.

The Progress of His Finished Work

 

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God;’ for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone” (James 1:13).

The preceding verses in James 1 explored the topic of temptation and the advantages of persevering through it. This often leads us to believe that God intentionally places these trials on us for His redemptive purposes. However, this verse clearly states that God is not the cause of these trials. Trials are inevitable, and there are significant benefits to be gained from enduring them in a godly manner. Nevertheless, they are not God’s doing. Labeling God as the source of our problems can lead us to submit to them instead of resisting them, which will hinder our progress (James 4:7).

You might question the accuracy of this statement in light of Genesis 22:1, which states that God tempted Abraham. However, if you examine James 1:13 closely, you will notice that this verse doesn’t imply God doesn’t tempt us at all. Instead, it asserts that the Lord doesn’t tempt us with evil. While the Lord does test us, as He tested Abraham, these tests are intended to lead us to a better place. He never subjects us to evil to cause us harm. Imagine an employer who administers a test to assess an employee’s ability to handle greater responsibilities, potentially leading to a promotion. This test isn’t conducted by an evil employer who intends to fire the employee if they fail. Rather, it’s administered by a good employer who genuinely wishes the employee’s success.

We are tempted and tested by evil in this life. A sinful world tests us, and hard circumstances and heart-wrenching situations test us further. However, to suggest that God tempts and tests us with evil implies a contradictory nature of God. On the one hand, God desires that we have an abundant life, full of His grace and far beyond our imagination or ability to comprehend. This abundant life is meant to help us escape the corruption of this world. On the other hand, some believe that God permits or even causes issues like sickness, loss, or hardships to test us. God is constant and unchanging, manifesting the redeeming love that He desires for us. While we face harsh circumstances, loss, sin, and evil, the God who wants us to have an abundant life never tests or tempts His own creation with evil.

Until the born-again believer sees themselves as God sees them in Christ, they will always be living from the unfinished side of the cross. We must understand that we are complete in Him (Colossians 2:10), seated with Him (Ephesians 2:6), a new creation in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17), the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21), one spirit with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17), washed, sanctified, and justified in Him (1 Corinthians 6:11), and glorified in Him (Romans 8:30).

This understanding of our identity in Christ should serve as the starting point for any believer’s discipleship. Redemption is fully realized and completed in Him. The remaining task is to renew our minds to these truths until they are manifested in our daily lives.

In the story of the two men, two houses, two foundations, and one storm (Matthew 7:24-27), God didn’t send the storm. Instead, He sent the Word, and the doer of the Word was spared the consequences that the lazy believer suffered. Many Christians mistakenly believe that storms are sent by God to teach them a lesson. Even though lessons can be learned, these storms are not divine interventions. Instead, the Word and the Spirit are from God to prepare us to overcome the challenges and trials that life throws our way.

Many Christians are striving for what God has already given them through Christ. Those who comprehend the new creation can find peace in the finished work and live their lives from a place of victory. The expression of Jesus’ life in us is progressive and will mature. We are not a born-again spiritual work in progress, but rather our lives are the “progress of His finished work.” 

You are not like Job—fearful, ignorant, and without a covenant. You are under the New Covenant of God’s grace. You are a new creation and complete in Jesus Christ. You have been blessed with all of God’s blessings.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).

God sees the identity of Jesus when He looks at you. You must renew your mind until you see yourself as God sees you and the truths of His Son’s identity are manifested in your life. 

God never tempts or tests you with evil. He wants His best to be manifested in you. You are the "progress of His finished work."

Stand Fast In Your Liberty

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
—Galatians 5:1


“Stand fast” comes from the Greek word “steko,” and means to “stand firm, persevere, to hold one’s ground” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon). It implies steadfastness, resilience, and resistance against opposition. 

Just as a nation must persist in safeguarding its freedom and rights, we too must steadfastly protect our spiritual freedom. Paul admonished the Galatian believers, who were more concerned with performing the Law than placing their faith in Christ, to “stand firm” in their spiritual freedom in Him. This admonition is ours. Paul emphasizes that our freedom doesn’t automatically occur; we have a role to play.

Our adversary, the devil, relentlessly seeks to consume those he can (1 Peter 5:8), and legalism is one of his most potent weapons. We must resolutely resist every attempt he makes to lure us back into a life of self-effort instead of steadfastly standing in our faith in Christ (1 Peter 5:9).
 
The word “therefore” in Galatians 5:1 serves as a bridge between Paul’s statement and the preceding verse. In Galatians 4:31, Paul drew a parallel between being under the Law and being a descendant of the slave woman Hagar, suggesting that we lack the inheritance of God’s promises. Since none of us desire to be excluded from God’s blessings, we must firmly uphold the freedom we have received through our faith in Christ.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines liberty as:
a. The condition of being free from restriction or control. 
b. The right and power to act, believe, or express oneself in a manner of one’s own choosing. 
c. The condition of being physically and legally free from confinement, servitude, or forced labor.

Paul was referring to a specific kind of liberty—the freedom from the oppression of the Old Testament Law. God had to expose the deception that people had fallen into—that they were inherently good enough to be accepted by Him. He achieved this by giving the Law. The Law brought sin and its desires to life in people. To those who embraced it, it became evident that if this holy perfection of the Law was what God demanded, people couldn’t be saved by their own goodness.

Paul was controlled by his love for the Lord rather than his fear of punishment for breaking the Old Testament Law. In Galatians 5, he made it clear that this liberty is not freedom to sin but freedom from sin and its guilt and condemnation. Those who choose to use this liberty in Christ to indulge their flesh will suffer for it. Their suffering is not God’s retribution; they reap what they have sown (Luke 6:38, Galatians 6:7).

In Galatians 5:1, “entangled” presents the idea of being “ensnared or held in a net” (Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament). The Galatians were ensnared in a bondage that stemmed from the Law’s demands, which they believed would secure God’s acceptance through their actions. However, God paid the ultimate price for our liberation from sin. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross purchased our freedom from self-justification through the Law. We must never allow anything or anyone to re-ensnare us in this bondage.

The context of Galatians 5:1 makes it very clear that this “yoke of bondage” that Paul was speaking of is the Old Testament Law. This is a strong statement and leaves no doubt that the Law was not for the purpose of freedom but bondage.

The Law was given to kill (2 Corinthians 3:7) and condemn (2 Corinthians 3:9). The Law strengthened sin (1 Corinthians 15:56) and made sin come alive (Romans 7:9). The Law gave sin an opportunity to deceive us and work all manner of lust in us (Romans 7:8,11). All of us have sinned and come short of the Law’s perfection (Romans 3:23). In essence, the Law strengthened our enemy and sin, and made it obvious no one could be saved by keeping it. The Law took away every hope of salvation except faith in a Savior.

Paul said in Galatians 3:23: “But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.”

Faith came in Jesus, and the Law was finished.

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-31).

Unlike the sometimes-harsh treatment oxen are given to bring them into subjection, Jesus is “meek and lowly in heart” and wins us by love (1 John 4:11, 19). The yoke of the Law is heavy, but  Jesus’s burden is light. Unlike the Law that weighs us down rather than saving us, Jesus’ grace saves us and gives us rest for our souls.

“If you attempt to be justified by the Law, you fall from grace” (Galatians 5:4).

Christ has set you free from the condemnation of the Law. Don’t let your performance-driven bondage cause you to fall from grace. Stay steadfast in your liberty and faith. Be courageous and strong (1 Corinthians 16:3). Be intentional, disciplined, and determined to walk in the liberty that Jesus has given you (Galatians 5:1). The Law holds no authority over Christ; He fulfilled it (Galatians 5:6). Faith operates through the love of Jesus, who declared the Law to be completed and finished. We can never fully pay the price. Only He could pay it in full, and, to His glory, He did.

If you don't stand firm in your faith in Christ, you will not stand at all (Isaiah 7:9).

Embrace the “It is Finished” of the Cross

In several different translations of the New Testament, the phrase “it is finished” appears twice. The first instance occurs in John 19:30:

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit” (MEV).

Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Law that we couldn’t keep. He wiped out the ordinances that were against us and nailed them to His cross (Colossians 2:14). This marked the end of the Law for righteousness (Romans 10:4). It (the Law) was finished. 

Jesus voluntarily gave up His spirit, and no one took His life from Him. He offered it in love as a sacrifice for our sins. When Jesus uttered, “It is finished,” He didn’t mean that the entire plan of salvation had been completed. He still had to descend into the lower regions of the earth to lead the captives out (Ephesians 4:8-9), rise from the dead, and ascend to the Father to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).

Paul made it abundantly clear in 1 Corinthians 15:14 and 17 that if Jesus hadn’t been resurrected from the dead, our faith would be futile, and we would still be trapped in our sins. When Jesus uttered, “It is finished,” he must have been referring to His ministry on earth and the Old Covenant Law that had now been fulfilled in Him (Matthew 5:17). 

Those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior are no longer seeking to be free from sin; they are truly free from the power of sin (Romans 8:2). They are no longer seeking healing; they have been healed by Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). All who believe this Good News have been forgiven, delivered from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13-14), and blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). We no longer need to beg God to accomplish what Jesus has done. We need to praise Him! Faith is simply receiving what Jesus has already accomplished. It is finished! 

There’s another usage of the phrase “it is finished” that you might not have noticed.

“But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin; and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15, MEV)

Did you know that even though we’re free from the power of sin and have authority over the lusts of the flesh, if that authority isn’t exercised, sin can still be unleashed in us? And when sin is finished, it will bring forth death. Dishonesty, waste, fear, indecisiveness, guilt, ailments, and all the works of darkness will wreck havoc in our lives.

James 1:14-15 illustrates how sin progresses. It doesn’t just happen to us; we have to conceive it. Most Christians fail to recognize that sin requires conception. Consequently, they do little or nothing to prevent its conception and only focus on preventing its birth. This is akin to a woman who desires no children but consistently engages in physical relations with a man. Unless there’s an underlying issue, she will conceive.

James 1:15 verse makes it very clear that it is lust that conceives sin. The New International Version refers to lust as “desire.” Desire is rooted in our emotions. To avoid sinning, we must control our feelings. Sin is inherently emotional. Someone who indulges in negative emotions but doesn’t want to commit sin is like a woman who engages in physical relations with a man but doesn’t desire pregnancy. To prevent sin, we must prevent its conception by refraining from engaging with negative emotions.

To avoid the “it is finished” of sin, it is crucial that we embrace the “it is finished” of the cross. We must exercise authority over our emotions, access God’s grace in every situation, and firmly believe that the power of His resurrection surpasses the power of sin in this world.

John says that when Lazarus came forth from the grave he was “bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Loose him, and let him go’” (John 11:44 NKJV). John uses exactly the same Greek word when he says of Jesus, “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy (loose) the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8, NKJV).

In other words, he whom Jesus makes free is loosed from the works of the devil just as Lazarus was loosed from his grave clothes. He is free indeed (John 8:32), redeemed from his guilty past. He is no longer subject to the penalty of the finished law.

Have you embraced the “it is finished” of the cross?  Do you exert authority over your feelings and exercise your faith in the finished work of Jesus?  You are loosed from the power of sin and death just as Lazarus from his grave clothes. Sin is no longer your master. You’re under grace. Stop sin’s conception, and avoid its birth altogether. Think on things that are lovely, pure, and of good report, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8-9).

 

The Only True Freedom

—Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” (John 8:31)

In this verse, Jesus spoke to Jews who believed in Him, yet He emphasized that they wouldn’t be His disciples unless they abided in His Word. He made a clear distinction between those who believed and those who were disciples. There’s a difference. Later in the same conversation, He stated that those who merely believed in Him but refused to continue in His Word were of their father, the devil (John 8:44). Simply believing the Word isn’t enough. We should persist in studying the Word until we know we are more than forgiven. We must become disciples to discover the freedom of an intimate and unhindered relationship with the Father. 

In John 8:48 and 53, these Jews revealed their true nature. They didn’t consider Jesus any higher than Abraham or any of the prophets. In John 8:58-59, when Jesus declared Himself to be the great I AM, they attempted to stone Him to death. They also accused Him of being demon-possessed (John 8:48 and 52). Therefore, Jesus’ estimation of these people was entirely accurate. They acknowledged Him to some extent, but not to the extent that they truly accepted Him as the true Christ. Jesus didn’t declare those who had only accepted Him as being favored by God (Mark 10:20). To become their Savior, Jesus must be accepted as God and honored as Lord in each heart.

True disciples of Jesus are marked by the fact that they persist in having an understanding of God’s Word. Abiding in God’s Word is a lifestyle, not just something that occasionally occurs. The just live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38)—not just occasionally visit the Word.

—“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

Only those who persist in God’s Word and become disciples truly comprehend the truth. In John 8:32, Jesus wasn’t referring to mere intellectual knowledge setting them free. The word “know”in this verse embraces several meanings, ranging from a superficial knowledge to a profound and experiential understanding. In the Bible, the word “know” is used to describe an intimate physical relationship (Genesis 4:1, 17; 19:8, 24:16; Matthew 1:25). Jesus emphasized that when we thoroughly familiarize ourselves with His Word in an intimate and experiential way, we will be liberated from all our bondage. This is because “all things that pertain to life and godliness” are bestowed upon us “through the knowledge of him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). Freedom is impossible without revelation knowledge of God’s Word. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

—They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free?’” (John 8:33).

These Jews were willing to believe that Jesus was the Christ (John 8:30), yet they refused to acknowledge and accept their need for Him. They failed to recognize that they required freedom from bondage. Consequently, it can be said that true salvation not only declares that Jesus is the Son of God, but it also involves acknowledging our dependence on Him.

The same reasoning Jesus used in John 8:33 can be applied to anyone who claims to be a disciple today. Is the one claiming to be a disciple experiencing the manifestation of God’s truth in their lives? Are they free of fear, anger, offense, anything that is not of faith? If they aren't, they haven’t persisted in God’s Word until they are truly free (John 8:31-32). Consequently, they aren’t genuine disciples seeking to know the truth.

These Jews said that they were never in bondage to any man. This is strange since the whole nation of Israel was in bondage to the Romans. Therefore, they were slaves but refused to acknowledge it (1Corinthians 2:14). Are we like these Jews—in bondage and not even knowing it?

—Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.” (John 8:34)

These “believers” (John 8:31) were offended when Jesus told them they needed to be liberated. He clarified that He wasn’t referring to physical slavery but rather spiritual bondage. He explained that anyone who sins is a slave to sin. He then revealed how belief in Him could indeed free them. If they came to know the truth, they would be liberated from sin.

Jesus spoke these words to help these Jews, not to harm them. However, their pride clouded their judgment, preventing them from recognizing His love.They vehemently resisted any instruction that made them feel inferior in any way. In reality, these people were not only in physical bondage to the Romans but also spiritually bound.

Since the time Satan deceived Eve into believing that through sin, she could become like God (Genesis 3:4-5), the devil has been deceiving the world about sin. However, time has proven this deception. Sin brings death, not life (Romans 6:23). Jesus made it clear that sin only enslaves us. We become slaves not only to the sin itself but also to the author of sin, the devil (John 8:44). We either serve God through obedience or the devil through sin (Romans 6:16). 

“And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.” (John 8:35).
 

Jesus offered these people bound by sin deliverance and true freedom through the Spirit. He compared the bondage of sin to slavery and the freedom that comes through serving God to being a beloved Son. No one would ever question a son being superior to a slave. Likewise, obeying God is superior to yielding to sin.

—“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Christ has freed all who believe on Him. This freedom is total and complete. But not everyone who has been freed is free. 
After the Emancipation Proclamation that “freed” the American slaves, many slaves continued to serve as slaves because the truth was hidden from them or in some cases, the slaves were afraid they couldn’t make it on their own. Similarly, Christians have been “freed” from sin, but that doesn’t automatically mean all Christians experience that freedom. Through ignorance and deception, Satan continues to deceive those who have not yet realized they had died to sin and been resurrected with Christ. 

We have to receive and walk in our freedom from sin. It doesn’t happen automatically. Being free and not knowing it is like unlocking prison cells and telling the prisoners they are free to go. They would be free, but they wouldn’t experience that freedom until they got up and acted like they believed it. They would continue to sit in their cells and be freed, but not free.

Whatever is not of faith in your life is sin (Romans 14:23), and it is bondage. Do you serve God as a slave to sin or to Jesus? Do you live in bondage, deceived by the enemy and not knowing Jesus has freed you? Are you yearning to live the freedom of His abundant life and not be enslaved to a sin-conscience existence? The only true freedom is found in Jesus Christ. Jesus has a spirit-led, delivering, healing, and overcoming life for you to be discovered in an intimate, unbound, and unhindered relationship with your Father.

How badly do you desire it?