What does "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" mean? Setting the Scene “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17) Paul contrasts the glory of the old covenant, written on stone, with the surpassing glory of the new covenant, written on hearts by the Holy Spirit. Freedom is the key word he uses to describe life under this new covenant. Freedom From the Veil • In 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 Paul says a “veil lies over their hearts” whenever Moses is read. • The veil symbolizes spiritual blindness and separation. • “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” (v. 16) • The Spirit removes the barrier so we can see God’s glory clearly and personally. • Freedom, then, first means open access to behold the Lord without obstruction. Freedom From Condemnation • “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) • The law exposes sin and pronounces guilt; the Spirit applies Christ’s finished work and proclaims pardon. • Romans 8:2 ties the thought together: “For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death.” • Freedom means we are no longer under the crushing verdict of the law. Freedom From Sin’s Dominion • “But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin… having been set free from sin, you became slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:17-18) • The Spirit breaks sin’s chains, enabling genuine obedience. • Freedom isn’t license to do wrong; it’s power to live right. Freedom for Transformation • 2 Corinthians 3:18 continues, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” • True liberty is the capacity to become what God created us to be—Christ-like. • The Spirit is both the Presence and the Power accomplishing this daily metamorphosis. Freedom to Serve in Love • “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) • In the same chapter Paul adds, “You, my brothers, were called to freedom, but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13) • Real freedom expresses itself in joyful, Spirit-enabled service, not selfish indulgence. Freedom Anchored in Truth • Jesus links the Spirit and truth: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) • He also declares, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) • Freedom thrives where the Spirit illumines biblical truth and applies it to the heart. Living It Out • Invite the Spirit’s continual filling (Ephesians 5:18). • Walk by the Spirit rather than the flesh (Galatians 5:16). • Hold fast to Scripture, the “perfect law that gives freedom” (James 1:25). • Celebrate the liberty of unhindered access to God, freedom from condemnation, power over sin, ongoing transformation, and loving service. Where the Spirit is welcomed, these freedoms flourish. |
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