Staying Free – The Prize

Let’s read Philippians 3:13-14 together, “But I focus on this one thing Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” In his words, we see the truth about staying free – we have to focus on the prize! The question is how do we do that in the 21^st century? 

The first step to staying free is found in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” We have to live by God’s Word, altering our thinking to line up with God’s rather than vice versa. Step 2 is found in Ephesians 6:11, “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” We have to put on the whole armor of God every day. The third step is found in Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!” We have to be true worshippers. The power of worship keeps us pure.

 In 2 Corinthians 5:7, Paul writes, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” It means we must walk by faith, trusting God and His Word over the world. Paul tells us another crucial step in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Never stop praying.” We have to talk to God but even more important listen for His answers. Living by the Word, putting on the armor of God, being true worshippers, walking by faith, and praying continually aren’t too difficult for us because God has already equipped us to stay free eternally in Him. 

God’s Word is filled with ways we can stay free. As we continue our efforts to stay free this week, let’s read, Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” May we put on the armor of God daily and ask the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom, guide our steps, and help us stand firm against the enemy and stay free in Christ!