In order to be set free, one must first be bound to something that they themselves cannot get out of. Second Peter 2:19 says, "For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him." Most people are slaves to sin without even knowing it. Frankly, if you are not a slave to Christ, then you are a slave to sin. Jesus says that the truth will set you free. If Jesus is truth, which He says He is in John 14:6, then Jesus Himself sets us free. Ironically we find freedom in Christ when we become His slave. Most people might think that Christianity is all about freedom, which is it, but we first must become slaves to the One who is freedom. When we think of slaves, we think of someone who is treated unfairly, abused, alone. In reality, the term slave means that you are not your own, someone else owns you, you have a master. Following Christ and being a Christian is the latter of the two. I am not my own, I have a Master, I am a slave. You either unconsciously choose slavery to sin or consciously choose slavery to Christ.
Paul is a perfect example of a slave of Christ. He knew he was not his own, he constantly found himself in prison because of Christ. Paul says in Ephesians 3:1, "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles-". Paul is in a Roman prison, yet knows full well that he is not a prisoner of the Romans but of Christ. Following Christ is also daily dying to ourselves, it's everyday saying, "I give up. Take control." We are told in Luke 9:23, "Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me." We are told to carry our own crosses, our own desires. There is absolutely, no matter how you try it, an easy way to carry a cross. It's giving up control, dying to yourself. Come and die sort of thing. THAT is Christianity. Asking Christ to set you free from the chains of sin and to be bound to Him.
He sets the captives free, even if you are oblivious to your captivity. It is only through becoming a slave of Christ that we finally find freedom. I am a slave of Jesus Christ, not my own, I have no control over my life, He is my Master.
Lauren
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