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YOU ARE SET FREE
July 5, 2024For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:2
1. JESUS TOOK THE STING FOR US. I heard a story about a man driving in a car with his son. The windows were open as they drove on a beautiful spring day, and a honeybee flew in. The young boy sitting next to his dad froze with fear. Why? Because he was aware that he was allergic to bees and would go into anaphylactic shock if he got stung. Quickly, the father took one of his hands off the wheel, reached over and grabbed the bee, held it, and let it sting his hand. The father turned to his son, who was still unmoving, and said, “Son, you don’t need to be afraid anymore; I took the sting for you.” Jesus, who never sinned, came on the scene pure, holy, and without shame, became a sacrifice, and took the hit for all of us. By the grace of God, you and I have been forgiven.
2. JESUS HAS GIVEN US THE VICTORY. When you understand all that redemption includes – victory over sin, over temptation, over the flesh, over depression, over the devil, over the world – you become aware that you have been lifted out of an existence of sin and death and into the freedom of life. If you feel numb, draw near to God and let him help you open your heart to this wonderful existence you are offered. You don’t have to cave into the pressures around you; you can rise up and walk in victory.
First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
3. PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY. Because we have been set free, we have a responsibility to bring the culture of the kingdom to the world around us by praying for our leaders. In every sphere of life, there are people in authority – in the government, at work, in a neighborhood homeowner’s association – and we are to pray for those leaders. Whether you live in a country with a king, a dictator, a monarchy, a democracy, or a republic, we all have those in authority over us that we must pray for. And the goal is so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
PRAY THIS PRAYER:
God, thank you that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus lifts me up and sets me free from the vicious circle of sin and death. In Jesus’ name, I come against depression and demonic oppression. I come against fear, self-loathing, and insecurity. You have not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord. Today, I speak victory in Jesus’s name over my life. I pray for all those who have authority – the leader of my country and all the persons of authority surrounding me – that they get saved and come to the knowledge of the truth in Jesus’ Name, amen. (Romans 8:2; Psalm 19:14; 1 Timothy 2:1-4)
God bless you,
Pastor Jeff Perry
Free, adj.
Not being in the position of a slave or serf: having the freedom of action and the legal and political rights of a citizen.
Copyright © 2024 St. Louis Family Church, All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Free, Adj. (1). Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, C. & G. Merriam CO., 1971, p. 904.
