At one time we too were … enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.
Summary: The road to freedom is a beautiful adventure. The end of the road is the beginning of a new life in heaven. Meanwhile, here on earth, we can be free of the shackles of the desires of the flesh.
As I look back over my years as a Christian, many milestones mark the path I have followed. Many of those milestones mark the graves of pleasures and passions that used to enslave me.
Please do not misunderstand! I do not claim that I am completely free of passions and pleasures. I only note that they do not rule me as they once did. The power of Christ in my life has set me free of many of them.
I know that I have farther to go on this road. I will struggle along this trail as long as I am in this body of flesh. Yet once on the road to freedom, who would want to turn back?
It is sad to look at the news and hear about those who have chosen the path of slavery. Ruled by their passions, they eventually come to a dead end. You see them on the news all too often. They stare at the cameras while reporters ask about the latest accusations of sexual misconduct, corruption, or addiction.
On the other hand, my heart rejoices to see brothers and sisters in the faith moving towards freedom. Regardless of where they are on the path, I know where they are heading, and I know they are moving towards a life without chains.
Being free does not give a person a license to judge. My heart goes out to those who are not yet free. Oddly, the world of flesh views passions and pleasures as a “good” thing. Satan’s minions mock God’s Word. They ridicule the only hope we have of escaping slavery.
In truth, we enslave ourselves. Without God in our hearts, we are like a ship without a compass. We have no star to steer by except our desires and cravings. The human heart on its own, without God, is insatiable. It can never have enough of anything.
With God, we have hope. We have a star to navigate by. God draws us to the light of His truth. The chains that kept us enslaved fall off.
Application: Take a moment to consider how far God has brought you out of slavery.
Food for Thought: Why are we so easily trapped by the passions and pleasures of the flesh?
“Ruled by their passions, they eventually come to a dead end.” These words strike a big chord with me because this has been on my heart for a few months. I have to say that the framing of that part of my life as slavery and then the release as freedom from slavery brings me greater joy and hope. I praise Jesus for his forgiveness.
Chris,
Thank you for sharing your joy with us today!
Great devotion brother. And great perspective Chris.
As has already been pointed out, I think we are easily trapped because we are doing what comes natural for us when we are without Christ. And even with Christ, we must choose to walk in the Spirit. Ephesians 2: 1 – 3; James 1: 13 – 13; Galatians 5: 16 – 26.
Rich,
Thank you for the reference verses! And I agree — the road to freedom always offers a choice. We can continue forward, stop and wait, or go back into slavery.
Thanks Jeff, Chris, and Rich. I appreciate your comments.
Nice to hear from you, Jeff! 🙂
Well put together Jeff!
Why are we so easily trapped by the passions and pleasures of the flesh?
We are self absorbed beings at birth. Our salvation is by the Grace of God, as we receive a spiritual birth. We are free from but must each let go of the passions and pleasures of the flesh.
John 1:13, John 3:5, Ephesians 2:8-9
Freedom from the passions and pleasures of the flesh comes from God as we live in God and experience spiritual growth, maturity or sanctification. And just as with our spiritual birth, it does not come by the power natural self.
1 Corinthians 2:12-13, Proverbs 3:5-6
In each of us remains a determined, stubborn will to better ourselves. A desire to become a better version of ourselves. A healthier, stronger, sexier, wealthier self. We desire to become the self that has everything together and is going in the right direction as determined by this world. Our initial visions of achieving spiritual maturity are naturally within our preconceived notion that our growth will come to the degree we apply our inner drive. We seek to achieve spiritual growth by the power of our flesh.
Galatians 5:17,6:8, Romans 7:5, 8:5-9
Christian spiritual growth and freedom from passions, pleasures of our flesh come as we “stop” seeking spiritual growth by our power and in humble obedience seek to die to our flesh as we grow in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Becoming like Jesus means focusing less and less on ourself and more and more on Christ, and all that has been accomplished for us by his hand. Let the Holy Spirit establish the priorities so we grow in the most effective manner for the ministry God has in mind for each of us.
Luke 9:23, John 12:24, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 4:22-24
Ron,
You, too, are on your game today!
When you write that we “must each let go of the passions and pleasures of the flesh” I am reminded of how we climb ladders. Before we can get to the next rung, we need to let go of the one we are hanging onto. Letting go is a very important part of the process.
I also appreciate your comment that “We seek to achieve spiritual growth by the power of our flesh.” Your words are insightful. We can’t force growth. We have to remain faithful, do our daily exercises in Word and Prayer, and obey God.
The Holy Spirit opens Gods word to all our questions.
The picture of holding with both hands and trying to climb with our feet becomes laughable very quickly.
God Bless Brother!
👍🏻