Christian liberty is freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.
A.W. Tozer
In a few days, we celebrate our nation’s independence. The American Revolution inspired several other nations to overthrow tyranny and establish independence, but many collapsed under the weight of internal corruption and tyranny. The United States was not a perfect union because it did not grant freedom to all immediately, but it was founded on principles that would enable it to expand liberty to all. Our history is not without blemish. We are free because of great sacrifices and commitments, and ultimately, because God allows us to remain so. It’s a hard-won independence, but it can be so easily lost.
Our freedom from the soul-killing power of sin was bought with the greatest sacrifice. Jesus laid down his human life so that we could gain eternal life. This freedom is costly. Yet, unlike our American independence, this freedom cannot be revoked by foreign powers or domestic corruption; our eternity is guaranteed unless we choose to throw it away for the passing pleasures of life.
Consider this quote about costly grace:
“Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession…Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Freedom in Christ does not give us license to sin. It gives us the opportunity to be more, to be transformed into something greater. We get to serve and glorify the Lord of Creation and shower those He created with love.
This month’s scripture writing will focus on aspects of freedom in Christ—how we are set free, freedom from “the Law of Sin and death,” and freedom that demands responsibility. If you have never done a scripture writing plan in the past and are curious how to implement it, check out this post: “How to Use Scripture Writing Plans.”
To download a printable PDF, click the links to download either a full-page or half-page list:
You are also welcome to download the image at the top of this post to your phone for ready reference.
If you have young children who would like to participate, Sara McBroom has once again supplied us with copy & tracing sheets! Download by clicking the links below!
If you have any issues with the links or questions about the plan, please comment below!
Elihu's Corner 