How to Live in Freedom- According to John 15
We are told in Galatians that we are called to live in freedom, but how exactly can we do this?
Is it possible?
The answer is a resounding “Yes!”Â
Galations 13:11 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh, rather serve one another humbly in love.
How can we not indulge in fleshly desires?
By living by the Spirit. As this is contrary to the flesh. Instead of being led by our desires we need to led by the Spirit. (Verses 16-18)
We know when we are, as we bear fruit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithful ness, gentleness and self- control. (Verses 22-23)
It then goes on to say:
Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires.
Paul then goes on to tell us that we need to live and keep in step with the Spirit.
This is how we live in freedom.
John 15, ‘The vine and the branches’ can help us establish this way of living and give long lasting freedom.
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It tells us that we are the vine and God, our father is the gardener. We can ask Him to cut off the branches that don’t bear fruit, the branches that leave us disheveled or hold us back from living that lasting freedom, that He has waiting for us.
In order to bear fruit, the vine (us) needs to remain in Him, otherwise:
John 15: 6 You are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
But how do we remain in Him?
By His words remaining in us and showing Him that we are His disciples (V7 & 8).
He loves YOU, He loves every one of YOU and He just wants us to remain in that love (V9).
I mean, why would we not want that?
All He wants from us is to love Him before anything else and keep His commandments (v10).
These commandments aren’t to limit and restrict us, as some may think, they are there for our FREEDOM.Â
Why are we free?
Because by this and following these words, comes the fruit of His Spirit, as mentioned above.
Actually, I will mention them again because they are all part of the freedom He gifts us with…
love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithful ness, gentleness and self- control.
Do you know why?
Because we are His friends (v14).
But we can’t forget the pruning either. We need to get rid of those branches that aren’t bearing fruit. These branches can be in the form of sin, people, situations, thoughts, behaviours, fleshly desires.Â
Galatians 5:19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
We are being warned, simply because He loves us and He has called us to be Free. And this is how we live in freedom.
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The final scripture from this section as sums everything up perfectly.
John 15:16-17 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit- fruit that will last- and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: love each other.
I hope you enjoyed this post. Please feel free to comment below with any ‘pruning’ you’ve done in your life or how you’ve experienced that freedom in Christ.
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Exactly – we have to be willing to change
Yes, Amen! X
I love trying to simplify my life so I have more time for God. Great post.
Thank u! X