Jesus, the Anointed One paid the price, to set us free-not partially, but completely and wonderfully free! Freedom begins when we are receptive to the Holy Spirit’s teachings that we have been completely accepted by God, because of the glorious righteousness of the Anointed One, Jesus Christ.
Beloved ones, God calls us to live a life of freedom, through the power of love and the Holy Spirit! Yet, we must not view this wonderful freedom as an opportunity to just follow the instincts of our natural man. True freedom means that you gradually become free from self-indulgence, because the on-going filling of the Holy Spirit’s anointed love. Then, through His power, you begin to desire to serve one another-expressing love in all you do. For love is the completion of the law of God – “Demonstrate love to your neighbor, even as you care for and love yourself”.
As you yield freely and fully to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life. For self-life craves the things that offend the Holy Spirit and hinder him from living free within you! And the Holy Spirit’s intense cravings hinder your old self-life from dominating you! The Holy Spirit is the only One who defeats the cravings of your self-life of the flesh, and gives your new creation life in the Spirit overcoming power.
What are the cravings of the self-life? They are obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior. Those who use their freedom for these things will not continue to step forward in the Kingdom realm of God.
So, let us never be found dishonoring one another, or comparing ourselves to each other, for each of us is an original. We have forsaken all jealousy that diminishes the value of others. What matters now is living in the faith that is activated and brought to perfection by the spiritual power of God’s love.
The fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its various expressions. This love is revealed through: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. So, let us choose to live in the surrendered freedom of yielding to the Holy Spirit, while we keep stepping forward in the Kingdom realm of God.
Galatians 5 tPt
