Identityಮಾದರಿ

Main Idea: Sin Will Enslave You

Let’s look at the idea that freedom means to do what we like. What happens when we do that? Well, there will certainly be lots of perfectly fine things that we enjoy in life, things that are good for us and for others. Freely pursuing such things is good.

But the truth is, there are also things we desire to do which are not good, either for us or for others. Even though some of them may seem good to us at the moment, long-term results may say otherwise. And eternal results agree.

For instance, it might seem good in the moment to deceive someone, get drunk, or sleep around. A life built on lies is one of the most stressful kinds of life you could ever live, always trying to remember what you said to whom. Ultimately, you will be found out. Drinking might feel fun at the time, but the next morning, it leads to regret, never mind leaving you vulnerable to making life-altering bad decisions. And if, like many, you use alcohol to escape your problems, it doesn’t keep working. Instead, you just get more and more depressed and dependent on it as it consumes more of your time, attention and money. And sleeping around may also seem enjoyable, but it leaves a legacy of broken relationships and brings complexity and hurt into a future marriage.

Our wants can trick us. You might think, ‘I’m doing my own thing, I’m free,’ but actually, when sin drives what you want, it ends up controlling you instead of the other way around. It’s like your own desires bossing you around, and they never let you really be free.

The good news is that Jesus came to rescue us from this trap. He died to take the punishment for our sins and rose again, so anyone who trusts Him can be forgiven, freed, and given a brand-new identity in God.

Reflection Questions:

• Can you think of a time when something you thought would bring freedom or happiness actually left you feeling trapped or empty?
• What does it mean to you that sin doesn’t just break God’s law, it also takes away your freedom and begins to control you?
• How does knowing that Jesus offers true freedom change the way you think about your choices and desires?