devotion: Jesus - power source for freedom

May 13th

Power Source for Freedom

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:8-10 NIV

Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Colossians 2:20-23 NIV

In evaluating the different approaches to breaking sinful bondage, we should be careful to ensure that whatever program we use is based on Jesus Christ. We should avoid freedom programs that rely on restraint and adherence to regulations as the model for getting free. As Paul pointed out, the regulations are powerless to produce any lasting restraint of sin.

The above excerpts from Paul’s letter to the Colossian church point to Jesus Christ as the true power source for strength to overcome whatever we may be facing. He was fully human, just like you and me (Hebrews 2:14-17). He was tempted in every way, and yet did not sin. Now, he lives to intercede for us and sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). As a proven expert on rejecting temptations, he will help us when we are being tempted (Hebrews 2:18).

We have all the fullness of Christ living in us through our faith in Jesus. By faith, we have Jesus’ strength to resist and reject temptations. We also inherit his authority over every evil power that may be oppressing us. For example, sexual addictions often give evil spirits open doors to oppress us. Through Christ we have the authority to rebuke any evil spirit associated with lust, idolatry or any other sin involved in sex addiction.

Reckoning with the reality of Christ as our power source can make all the difference in our walk to freedom. When we base our walk to freedom on Jesus, we will succeed.

Questions for further thought:

What are some examples of some basic principles of the world? (Colossians 2:8,22-23)
What did the deceptive and hollow philosophy have the potential of doing to the Colossian Christians?
Where does our supernatural ability of self-control come from? (Galatians 5:22-23)

Prayer:

“Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for me and providing the way for me to live a new life in peace with God. Thank you for being available at all times to help me overcome temptations. Thank you for being a reliable source of power and expertise for me to tap into when I’m faced with temptations. Please fill me afresh with all the fullness of God as I renew my commitment to live for you. Thank you, Jesus! In your name I pray, Amen.”

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