Category Archives: Freedom

Bible, Scripture, Freedom, Sin, Law, Good

A BAD LAW

ROMANS 7:21

“I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.”

There are some laws on the books of countries that are just bad. Take for example the new anti-conversion laws in India. They went into effect last year and have caused death and destruction among the Christian population. I have friends serving as missionaries in that country, and they see fellow believers arrested and persecuted. Home churches can’t meet and most Christmas celebrations were cancelled for fear of attacks by others. This is a bad law.

Our verse today is the subject of much debate among scholars. The word translated “principle” can also be translated as law. What in the world does Paul mean by this verse. Once again, I turn to Albert Barnes who can explain this much better than I. “There can be no doubt that he refers here to his carnal and corrupt nature; to the evil propensities and dispositions which were leading him astray. His representing this as a law is in accordance with all that he says of it, that it is servitude, that he is in bondage to it, and that it impedes his efforts to be holy and pure. The meaning is this, ‘I find a habit, a propensity, an influence of corrupt passions and desires, which, when I would do right, impedes my progress, and prevents my accomplishing what I would.’”

APPLICATION

Let me ask you then, what principle or law within you keeps you from doing what is holy and right? It’s the same one that Paul talks about in today’s verse. You and I have the same sin nature that Paul had and fought against. We have a choice to make. Do we fight against this “principle,” this propensity to sin? Or do we give into our carnal appetites and just go with the flow?

In Galatians 5:17 Paul states this same idea when he writes, “For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want.” As long as we are living and breathing, we will wage this war. But beloved, do not be discouraged. This battle belongs to the Lord. As we submit ourselves to His will, He fights for us through His Holy Spirit in our lives.

Think about one sin you are struggling with. Now, give that to Jesus. Ask Him to guard your heart and mind against any inclination towards that sin. Ask Him to remove any desire you have to commit such sin. Study His Word. Fast and pray. Spend extended time in worship. All these will shove that sin back and defeat the evil one. If you are a follower of Christ, you are His. Believe that.

Lord, I do not want to fall into the trap of sin. Protect my eyes and heart from these unwholesome desires within me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Freedom, Law, Opportunity, Romans, Scripture

AN OPPORTUNITY

ROMANS 7:8

“But sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead.”

Let me just tell you, when I was living my life before Christ, I took every chance I could to do things which could be labeled ungodly and hedonistic. I’ve said before that I wasn’t a bad kid. I just liked to party and didn’t really care about the end result. I looked for opportunities to sin. I planned opportunities for it. But that was my life before Jesus. I’ve been attempting to live for him for a long time now. Sure, I have fallen short on too many occasions and sadly, I have even planned some of those failures.

Paul tells us in today’s verse that the desire and urge to sin was brought on by the rules and laws. “Don’t do this” only brought to our attention to do it. Let me give you an example. If I told you right now to not think about ice cream, what would you be thinking about? ICE CREAM (My favorite is Moose Tracks). You see what I mean. Naming sins can easily awaken the desire to pursue it.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “opportunity” is aphormḗ “(from apó, ‘away from’ and hormḗ, ‘a violent rush’) – properly, a pretex (‘launching point’) to assert an idea – literally, ‘what charges from (off) a starting point’; (figuratively)…aphormḗ is usually used negatively in the NT, but positively in 2 Cor 5:12.” (HELPS Word-studies) Paul is telling us if we do not focus on the commands of the Law as a follower of Christ it will free us from these “eye openers” for sin. As he says at the end of the verse, “for apart from the Law sin is dead.”

In Galatians 5:13 the same word is used by Paul when he writes, “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh but serve one another through love.” As followers of Christ, we are free from the Law, but that does not give us freedom to do whatever we want. We have the freedom to do what we should.

Later in 1 Timothy 5:14 Paul writes, concerning young widows, “Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, have children, manage their households, and give the enemy no opportunity for reproach;” Before I get cards and letters from the lady folks, Paul wasn’t being chauvinistic. He was trying to protect these young widows of being drawn into a sinful lifestyle once they were free from their husbands. The point was to not give the devil the chance to corrupt them.

What will you do with your opportunities today? Will you choose walking with Jesus or with the devil? It’s your choice.

O God, give me an undivided heart that I might not sin against You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Bound, Freedom, Holy Spirit, New, Renewed, Scripture

NEWNESS OF THE SPIRIT

ROMANS 7:6

“But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.”

When I met my wife of over 40 years, we were friends and coworkers. She was one of my many friends and coworkers. That was a quantitative relationship. But when we got married our relationship changed from just friends to family. That was a qualitative change. She wasn’t just one of my friends anymore. We were husband and wife and in a totally different kind of relationship.

Why in the world am I talking about that? Because Paul uses a word in today’s verse that needs further explanation. When he writes “newness of the Spirit,” he uses the Greek word kainotés which is only used here and back in Romans 6:4 (newness of life). The Topical Lexicon says “kainotēs conveys the idea of qualitative ‘newness,’ a state or mode of existence that stands in sharp contrast to what has gone before. It is never a mere novelty: in Scripture it points to the decisive, divinely wrought transition from the old age under sin to the new age inaugurated by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” We have a totally changed relationship to God because of Jesus.

APPLICATION

Not to overuse a source, but I want to also give you another quote from the Topical Lexicon. It’s a pretty powerful statement about the use of kainotēs in the two verses we are looking at. “Romans 6:4 and Romans 7:6 serve as theological pillars, illustrating both the accomplished reality and ongoing outworking of that divine newness in personal sanctification, corporate worship, and eschatological hope.” (Topical Lexicon) If you aren’t shouting, you should be. It’s accomplished and ongoing! Glory to God.

Newness of life and newness in the Spirit. What else could you want. At salvation we are given that newness in life. The old self dies and the new self is resurrected to walk with Him through each day of your life. That walk is possible because we also have the newness of the Spirit. Jesus told us He would give us a Comforter, and He did. He lives in and through us and helps us take each step.

Now listen close. Lean in here. Walk in that qualitative newness. It’s not like anything you had before Jesus. Any religious high you may have experienced won’t measure up. Any vow or promise you made to God won’t hold up to it. We have the freedom in Christ to now walk in newness of life and in the Spirit. Think about that. No more trudging along just trying to make it. We can literally and spiritually hop, skip and jump through life because of this newness. Start walking that way.

O Lord, I am so thankful for the newness You have given me in Jesus.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Death, Bible, Scripture, Husbands, Wives, Freedom, Sin, Christ

THE EXAMPLE CONTINUES

ROMANS 7:3

“So then, if while her husband is alive she gives herself to another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress if she gives herself to another man.”

Paul continues his example of marriage and remarriage in today’s verse. Like I said yesterday, these two verses are an illustration of the truth of sin being put to death in our lives and our new life in Jesus. That is the reason Paul uses this earthly example. It’s something the people could understand.

Jesus did the same thing when He spoke in parables. When his disciples asked Him why He spoke in this way, He explained Himself. We find that in Matthew 13.10-17. Let’s look at part of that passage here. “13 ‘This is why I speak to the crowds in parables: although they see, they don’t really see; and although they hear, they don’t really hear or understand. 14 What Isaiah prophesied has become completely true for them:

“You will hear, to be sure, but never understand;
and you will certainly see but never recognize what you are seeing.

15 For this people’s senses have become calloused,
and they’ve become hard of hearing, and they’ve shut their eyes so that they won’t see with their eyes or hear with their ears or understand with their minds and change their hearts and lives that I may heal them.”’” (Isaiah 6:9-10)

APPLICATION

Can I give you some advice on sharing the Gospel? Use personal examples from your life, things that others can relate to. That’s what Jesus and Paul were doing. They gave us a model to follow. When I have the opportunity to share with someone, I talk more about how the Lord has changed my life rather than rattling off Bible verses or waxing eloquently about Bible doctrine. I want whomever I am talking with to get a picture of what God does in someone’s life.

Paul’s use of the example in Romans 7:2-3 can make a deep theological thought more understandable. Death brings freedom. For the wife whose husband has died or husband whose wife has died, they are now free to remarry if God so ordains. Our sinful flesh was nailed to the cross and died with Christ. Because of that death, we are now free to live anew in Jesus. We are married to Christ forever.

Don’t make the simple more complicated just to sound more spiritual. I don’t think Jesus or Paul tried to make themselves sounds smart. They were more interested in telling them about God’s great plan of salvation than impressing anyone. Remember the comments about the disciples after Christ died. People knew these were ordinary men, but they had been in the presence of Jesus and were changed. You and I need to stay in the presence of Jesus and allow Him to impress, not us.

O God, hide me behind Jesus whenever I speak of Him.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Death, Bible, Scripture, Husbands, Wives, Freedom, Marriage, Bonds

CONTEXT IN KING

ROMANS 7:2

“For the married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he is alive; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband.”

It is amazing how people can take a verse out of the middle of a passage and build a whole belief system on it. Today’s verse poses such an opportunity. Before you jump on me, I do believe in the sanctity of marriage. Not all marriages are salvageable, however, and God would never punish the innocent victim. (For more on that check on Dr. Spiros Zodhiates’ book on “Divorce and Remarriage.”)

But marriage and divorce were really not Paul’s intention in this passage. He is using an earthly illustration to build on the previous verse about our freedom from the Law versus our servitude to it. The Pulpit Commentary says it well. “The general drift of the above verses is plain enough; namely, that, as in all cases death frees a man from the claims of human law, and, in particular, as death frees the wife from the claims of marital law, so that she may marry again, so the death of Christ, into which we were baptized, frees us from the claims of the law which formerly bound us, so that we may be married spiritually to the risen Saviour, apart from the old dominion of law, and consequently of sin.”

APPLICATION

The word used by Paul translated as “bound” is deó. It literally means to bind, be in bonds, knit, tie or wind. Paul is not saying a woman is tied up when she is married. There weren’t ropes holding her to the man. Sure, there are spiritual implications to a marriage. Marriage should be between one man and one woman for life. The Mosaic Law taught that a man or woman was free to remarry if their spouse died. But the Law also allowed a man to divorce his wife for even a minor offense. In that culture, man ruled. Women were subservient. Paul is not talking about this.

Listen carefully. Paul is saying that when we died to sin (represented by the death of a spouse), we were free to walk with Christ (represented by the freedom to remarry). Celebrate your freedom in Christ. Don’t focus on the illustration. Focus on the truth. Every word of Scripture is inspired, so I know God through the Holy Spirit instructed Paul to write these words and use this illustration. He wanted to give us a way to understand the divine truth of our death and resurrection in Christ.

Are you still walking in bonds to your former manner of life? You may claim you have tried everything to be set free, but you just can’t shake it. Hogwash! When you say things like that, you are limited the God of the universe on whom there are no limits. Do you need help? You may, but you can free yourself from the bonds of sin that so easily entangle you.

Father God, You have set us free from the bonds of sin to walk free and victoriously in Christ

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Freedom, Jurisdiction, Law, Masters, Scripture, Slaves

JURISDICTION

ROMANS 7:1

“Or do you not know, brothers and sisters (for I am speaking to those who know the Law), that the Law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives?”

You may have heard the word “jurisdiction” in a cop show or court room drama. Law enforcement officers are normally restricted to their jurisdiction when it comes to making arrests. Judges also have districts which limit their rulings. Now, these “lines” of jurisdiction can be moved from time to time and law enforcement can work with other jurisdictions to enforce laws and catch bad guys. But what exactly did Paul mean when he used this word?

The Greek word used by Paul translated as “jurisdiction” is kyrieúō. It means “to exercise rights over one’s own property as an owner with full dominion (lordship) over this jurisdiction.” (HELPS Word-studies) This word is only used seven times in the New Testament with four of those occurring in Romans. We’ve already seen it in 6:9 and 14. We’ll see the word again in 14:9. Paul was emphasizing the power of sin over our lives before Christ and the power of the Law over those who tried to follow it.

APPLICATION

Perhaps one of the best uses of the word is found in Luke 22:25 where Jesus was confronting the disciples when they were caught disputing who was the greatest. He told them, “‘The kings of the Gentiles domineer over them; and those who have authority over them are called “Benefactors.”’” The word “domineer” is kyrieúō. Do you see it more clearly now?

The Topical Lexicon says kyrieúō “portrays the exercise of lordship—personal mastery that either liberates or oppresses, depending upon the one who wields it. In Scripture the term becomes a lens through which divine, moral, and relational authority are examined.” In today’s verse it is definitely a jurisdiction of oppression under the Law. There was no freedom found there.

So, how do you want to live your life? You say, I am not under the Law. I can do whatever I want. Really? If you do whatever you want, now your flesh is your master. If you try to keep all the laws, it is your master. You must decide to submit yourself to The Master Who sets you free. That freedom allows you to choose Him as Master. Come under His jurisdiction and find true freedom.

Thank You, O Father, for the freedom we have in Christ. He is the gentle Judge over our lives.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Death, Eternity, Freedom, Salvation, Scripture, Sin

TRUE FREEDOM

ROMANS 6:7

“for the one who has died is freed from sin.”

Why do we, as followers of Christ, get so sad and upset at the passing of another believer? Yes, there are emotions involved. Yes, we will miss that family member or friend. But if we stop and think about it, that fellow believer is now in the presence of our Savior and is truly free from sin. Wow! That is really something to celebrate. I don’t want my family and friends to grieve when I’m gone. Have a party! Celebrate my homegoing. I will not want to return here, I promise. Neither would you.

Paul states very clearly and unequivocably the truth of our salvation. There’s not a hidden truth here. It’s right there in plain sight. Paul isn’t talking about our physical death. He’s referring to our spiritual death to sin. Our old master no longer has power over us. We who were slaves to sin are now free. Hallelujah! Praise Jesus! The shackles have fallen off.

APPLICATION

In 2000 Mary Mary recorded a song entitled “Shackles (Praise You). I love the chorus of this song which says:

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise You (what’cha wanna do?)
I just wanna praise You (yeah, yeah)
You broke the chains, now I can lift my hands (uh, feel me?)
And I’m gonna praise You (what’cha gon’ do?)
I’m gonna praise You

When we become freed from the sins that so easily entangle us, we do want to dance. Am I right? The power of sin is gone. Sure, we are still in its presence. We see that every day. But the control it had on our lives is finished. 1 Peter 4:1 comes to mind. “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,” Isn’t that awesome?

What is holding you down right now spiritually? Cast it aside in Jesus’ name. Claim victory right now over the temptations that bombard you. It may be greed, gluttony, immorality, anger… You know your poison, don’t you? Do not let it have mastery over you anymore. You are indeed free because you have died with Christ and were buried with Him. But don’t forget that you were also resurrected through Him to walk in newness of life. Now, go do that.

Father God, I praise You for breaking the shackles of sin in my life and allowing me to walk in victory!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Freedom, Grace, Law, Lawlessness, Scripture

LAW LESS

ROMANS 2:12

“For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law;”

There are some laws on the books in the U.S. that are just plain stupid. For instance, it’s against the law in Tennessee to tie yourself to a moving car (duh!). You also cannot lasso a fish in Tennessee. And my favorite – it is against the law in Memphis, TN to carry ice cream in your back pocket. Laws are meant to keep us safe and orderly, but some laws are just plain relics of the past.

To Paul, who knew the law well, it was a hopeless endeavor. All the laws “on the books” in Jewish life could not bring salvation. If you didn’t keep the law, you were doomed. If you tried to keep it but broke even one of them, you were doomed. It’s no wonder that Paul taught grace so much. He knew the old way was not working and never would.

APPLICATION

Either way you slice it, without obedience we are doomed. Those without any knowledge of God’s law are still held accountable for their sins. We see all through Scripture that God shows Himself in all of creation. The Gentiles Paul is addressing will be judged and damned based on their false god worship and blatant disregard for God’s commands and His Son.

The Jews will also be held accountable for rejecting the Messiah Who came to fulfill their law. Paul’s heart is still aching for them to come to Jesus, but he knows their attempts to please God in the law will fall short of salvation. Paul tried and failed as a Pharisee to keep the entire law. Perhaps that is why he reacted so violently against the early believers who followed Jesus. Maybe he was jealous of the freedom they achieved through Christ.

Are you ready? Are you holding to God’s commandments which are fulfilled through Jesus? He is the only way. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” Stop trying to please God by “doing” things. Just “be” in Christ. He will give you all the power you need to please the Father in your obedient walk with Him.

Lord, I thank You for making me “Law less” in Your eyes. The law does not hold me anymore.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Ashamed, Bible, Boldness, Freedom, Jesus, Scripture

NOT ASHAMED

PHILIPPIANS 1:20

“according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”

Feeling ashamed for something you have done wrong is normal. I won’t begin to tell you about the things I have done in the past that were shameful. Some of those things might curl your hair. My BC (Before Christ) days were not exactly things I want to talk about. I try my best, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to avoid shameful behavior today. Sometimes, however, I will say or do something that makes me feel ashamed. Let’s see what Paul was saying about this in today’s verse.

Paul was not ashamed of his life there in that prison. He was actually still doing what he was imprisoned for – preaching Jesus. The verb used here, “be put to shame,” is the Greek word aischunó which in only used five times in the New Testament. In four of the five times, it is used like it is here in Philippians, in a negative reference. The other time is in Luke 16:3 in the story about the unrighteous steward. The steward says he was “ashamed to beg.” Elsewhere, we are told to “not be ashamed.”

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 10:8, Paul says, “For if I boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame,” Paul would never feel ashamed because of what the Lord had called him to do. Nor should we, no matter what that is. Perhaps the Lord has called you to sweep streets. Then be the best street sweeper in the world for the glory of Jesus.

Peter uses this word in 1 Peter 4:16 as he is discussing the privilege we have in suffering for Jesus. “but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” We are to glorify God in the midst of the suffering. That sounds crazy, I know, but that is exactly what our attitude should be.

We see aischunó used once more in 1 John 2:28. “Now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not draw back from Him in shame at His coming.” We should be walking with Him in such a way that no matter what we are doing when He appears, we will not be ashamed. Is that you? Are you living unashamed? Let Jesus rid you of any shame you are feeling today and walk in victory.

Father, I am thankful for the freedom I have from shame. You have cleansed me and made me unashamed in Christ.

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Bible, Freedom, Judgment, Legalism, Pharisees, Scripture

HERE COMES THE JUDGE

COLOSSIANS 2:16

“Therefore, no one is to act as your judge in regard to food and drink, or in respect to a festival or a new moon, or a Sabbath day—”

Back when I was growing up, there was a tv show called “Laugh In.” It was very popular, and several stars got their start there. One of the regular skits was done by Flip Wilson who played a comical judge. He would always enter the court room singing, “Here Comes the Judge, Here Comes the Judge.” Then he would proceed to make some ridiculous verdict or something. It was definitely a 60’s and 70’s humor thing.

In today’s verse, Paul is telling the Colossian believers to not let anyone judge them in their Christian walk in regards to Jewish laws and practices. The things he names were all referring to Jewish practices of food and worship. Some Jewish believers wanted to keep practicing all the Jewish laws and force them on Gentile believers. Paul had it out with Peter over this very thing and talked about in Galatians 2. Paul was not going to allow these new believers to be forced into laws and rules which he knew did not fit into their new lives in Christ.

APPLICATION

You may have people in your life who act like judges. You can’t eat that. You can’t drink that. You can’t wear that. You can’t miss a church service. Listen, we have just as many Christian “pharisees” today as there were Jewish pharisees back in the days of Paul. Don’t allow others to tell you what you must do to be “holy.” That’s God’s job.

I love how Albert Barnes explains this verse. “The meaning is, ‘since you have thus been delivered by Christ from the evils which surrounded you: since you have been freed from the observances of the law, let no one sit in judgment on you, or claim the right to decide for you in those matters. You are not responsible to man for your conduct, but to Christ; and no man has a right to impose that on you as a burden from which he has made you free.’”

The Greek word for “judge” literally means to decide or determine. There will be people who want to try to make your decisions for you. Now, there is nothing wrong with godly advice. I seek it all the time. But that advice has to line up with Scripture and should be led by the Spirit. Stay in the Word. Seek His face. He will show Himself to you and lead you in the right way.

Father, I give You praise for leading and guiding me so that I do not have to rely on others to decide for me.

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