PATHWAY TO SPIRITUAL FREEDOM PT. 1
The Pathway to Spiritual Freedom Pt. 1
From Believing to Trusting:
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
John 8:36
Spiritual freedom is not just a single moment; it is a lifetime journey.
In the Gospels, Jesus revealed that many could believe, some could have faith, but only those who learned to trust Him fully walked in lasting freedom. Each step moves us closer to living unbound, not just forgiven, but free.
Defining Biblical Freedom:
Being released by God from the power, penalty, and control of sin, death, and fear, so we may willingly live under the Lordship of Christ.
To Liberate or exempt.
Believing:
Recognizing Truth Without True Commitment:
Believing is the starting point, but it is not the complete destination.
Belief acknowledges truth mentally, yet still allows fear, pride, or self-control to remain and often control.
In the Gospels, many believed who Jesus was, but never experienced the freedom He offered because belief alone did not loosen chains.
There are times in Scripture when the word “Believe” embodies all three, (Believing, Faith, and Trust) such as;
Acts 16:31
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
In this verse the word “Believe” means: to place faith in, to Trust.
Believing In The Identity of Jesus
John 6:69
And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
The disciples correctly identified Jesus, yet they still struggled with fear, misunderstanding, and insecurity.
Matthew 16:16
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
John 11:27
She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Believing establishes who Jesus is as Truth, but Spiritual Freedom requires discovering what that means for my life.
Believing Without Following
John 12:42
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue.
They believed privately but feared publicly. Their belief never moved them into action.
Luke 18:22-23
22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
John 12:42
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue.
James 2:19
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Belief acknowledges the Truth, but refuses to follow remaining bound to comfort, approval, or fear.
It is the difference between Believing with the Mind and Believing with the heart.
Believing Without Change
Mark 1:22
And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
They were amazed, but amazement did not equal transformation.
John 2:23–24
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in His Name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
But Jesus did not commit Himself unto them, because He knew all men.
Jesus knew what was in their hearts did not match what was in their minds. Until the heart believes, there will never be true Freedom.
Matthew 15:8
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Spiritual Freedom Principle:
Believing informs the mind, but freedom requires Surrender of the Heart.
2. Faith:
Responding to Truth With Anticipation
Faith moves belief into action.
Faith dares to respond to truth even when the outcome is uncertain.
In the Gospels, Faith is never passive, it reaches, it cries out, and always obeys.
Faith begins to break chains, but has not yet fully learned to Trust.
Faith That Reaches Out
Matthew 9:21
For she said within herself, If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole.
Matthew 9:22
22 But Jesus turned Him about, and when He saw her, He said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
Her Belief moved her from isolation, to faith, to Trust and into healing.
Luke 17:17-19
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Faith believes freedom is possible and dares to reach for it.
Faith That Speaks
Mark 10:51-52
51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
Luke 7:6-10
6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not Thyself: for I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof:
7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
9 When Jesus heard these things, He marvelled at him, and turned Him about, and said unto the people that followed Him, I say unto you, I have not found so great Faith, no, not in Israel.
10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
Faith refuses silence and speaks hope in the presence of uncertainty.
Spiritual Freedom Principle:
Faith steps forward before Spiritual Freedom is visible.
It believes with the heart, before it sees it with the eyes.
3. Trust:
Surrendering Outcomes To The Will of God
Trust is faith that has learned to let go.
Trust no longer struggles for control but rests in the promises of God through Christ Jesus.
This is where Freedom becomes Steadfast, Peaceful, and Lasting.
Trust That Leaves and Cleaves
Matthew 4:19-20
19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Here we see a promise, then we see the Trusting in that promise.
Trust releases what once defined us so Christ can redefine us.
Trust relies on Christ even when circumstances remain unsettled.
Trust In The Only One:
John 6:66-69
66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with Him.
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68 Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of Eternal life.
69 And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Believing says: “This is true.”, Faith says: “I’m stepping toward it.”
Trust says: “I’m Surrendering it all to Him.”
John 8:31-32
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Spiritual freedom is not found in belief alone, nor sustained by faith alone,
but secured by bring both to trust.
Many good Christians live believing. Some walk daily by faith, But those who experience true Spiritual Freedom are those who finally trust God to do His very best in their lives.
When Trust takes root, Freedom is no longer something we pursue,
it becomes the place we live everyday.
Be Blessed Pastor Eddie
