Day 9: The Key To Spiritual Freedom

We are continuing our study to learn how to be led by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8,13 tells us that it is God’s desire for us to be led by His Spirit. You’re in line with the Father’s heart! Today, let’s look at another aspect of the Holy Spirit.

In 2 Corinthians 3:17, Paul says:

“Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

In the New Testament, the phrase “the Lord” corresponds to the sacred name of God which we normally call Jehovah or Yahweh in the Old Testament. It’s always a name of the true God. So when Paul says “the Lord is the Spirit,” he’s saying, “the Spirit is God.” He’s just as much God the Father or the Son. He’s just as much Lord. If you believe in the Lordship of the Father and the Lordship of the Son, you must acknowledge the Lordship of the Holy Spirit.

Then he says, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is true liberty [or freedom].” That’s the key to true spiritual freedom. It’s not a set of rules, it’s not a kind of procedure, it’s not clapping your hands, dancing, or shouting, singing, falling on the ground or anything like that, it’s doing what the Holy Spirit directs us to do at any time.

If you get stuck in a rut, if you view liberty as simply one kind of expression, you’re not in liberty, you’re in bondage. You’re only in liberty when you let the Holy Spirit be Lord over every moment, in every situation. Only when as we allow the Holy Spirit to be Lord do we actually allow Jesus to be Lord. This is true of the church and it is also true of our individual lives.

Let me say it again: no system, no theology, no theory, no hierarchy, nor human ministry can take the place of the Holy Spirit. He is indispensable. Therefore, we must cultivate a personal relationship with Him.

Reflect: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But so often, we tend to look for safety in roles and liturgy. Do you recognise that habit in your own life? Express your fear of losing control to the Lord.