They Promise Freedom
Date: July 18, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: "They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for 'people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.'" (2 Peter 2:19)
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: "Dear God, as I delve into 2 Peter 2:19, open my heart to receive Your wisdom. Help me discern between true freedom in Christ and deceptive promises that lead to bondage. Guide me to apply this understanding in my daily life. In Jesus' name, amen."
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The apostle Peter wrote the second letter to tackle a tricky situation. Some of the false teachers were spreading lies to the early Christian church. He was warning them against those who claim to offer freedom while being stuck in their own sinful mess. Peter was calling them out on it so that everyone would see through their deceitful promises of freedom. True freedom is all about giving into Christ and letting Him be in charge.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
Promise them freedom: Refers to the false teachers' deceptive claims of liberation, enticing others with empty promises of freedom.
Slaves of depravity: Reveals the irony of the false teachers who are actually enslaved to sinful behavior, despite their claims of freedom.
People are slaves to whatever has mastered them: Highlights the principle that individuals become slaves to whatever dominates and controls their lives.
S - Summarize and Share:
Isn't that something to think about? It's like those slick-talking salespeople who promise you the world, but in reality, they're stuck in their own mess. Peter was calling out these false teachers who claimed to offer freedom, but they were actually trapped in their own sinful cravings.
It's a wake-up call for all of us too. You know, this world is full of flashy offers that seem so tempting, but we have to be smart about it. True freedom comes from Jesus alone.
Freedom isn't about indulging every whim or craving. It's about surrendering to Jesus, breaking free from the chains of sin, and living a life that truly matters.
Let's be real about what's mastering us. We can't serve both God and our selfish desires. We have to make a choice, and that choice sets us free.
I've learned that true freedom in Christ is a release from the weight of guilt and shame. It's a freedom that lets us love God and others with all our hearts. When we experience this real freedom, we're not slaves to sin anymore. We're empowered to live in a way that pleases God.
So watch out for empty promises that lead to a dead-end. Let's hold on tight to Jesus, the One who offers real freedom, and let's live like we mean it. Embrace the freedom that comes from serving God, not our selfish cravings. That's the kind of freedom that's truly worth living for!
Bible Cross References
John 8:36 - "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
Galatians 5:1 - "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Romans 6:18 - "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."
Romans 8:2 - "Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."