WHAT DOES FREEDOM REALLY MEAN?

So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. (Gal 4:7)

"Have you ever said, “It’s my life. I’m free to do whatever makes me happy”? After a while, whatever you choose to pursue--popularity, alcohol, relationships, living selfishly, or trying hard to be perfect--becomes something that controls you instead of you controlling it. Soon the choice doesn’t feel like a choice at all. Instead of being free, you’re a slave.
Before we commit our lives to Jesus we are slaves to sin. Even if we try to be good, we still aren’t free. Freedom is an illusion. We are tangled up in our sin, and it is impossible to set ourselves free.

When we commit our lives to Jesus, we are freed from our slavery. Only God brings real freedom. He frees us from everything we’ve been controlled by. Only God—who is absolutely perfect and all-powerful—can make us his children and save us.

Jesus forgives us. Jesus heals us. Jesus makes us whole. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see instant change. The more you know God, the more you will become the person God created you to be. He knows what your purpose is, what is best for you, what you are good at, and how your experiences will be used in the future. He will help you get past what holds you back. He will make you whole." (Taylor, S)

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (Jn 8:31–36).

What are some things you have been a “slave” to? Describe what you think it means to be a “slave to sin.” What will the truth do? How does it feel to know that you are God’s child whom he has set free?
Taylor, S. (2017). Brand New: A 40-Day Guide to Life in Christ (pp. 10–11). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.