What’s keeping you in chains today—sin, fear, or something else? Vivian Bricker reminds us that Jesus has already won our freedom, but too often we live as if we’re still locked in a self-made prison. It’s time to step into the light, leave behind old patterns, and walk confidently in the freedom Christ provides.

🔑 3 Key Takeaways

✅ Jesus’ freedom is eternal and unshakeable.
Christ died to free us from sin, fear, and bondage.

✅ We build our own prisons when we stay in sin or fear.
Even when we think we’re in control, sin controls us.

✅ Freedom means walking in obedience and confidence.
Let go of fear and sin, and embrace the abundant life God offers.

🛠️ Intersecting Faith & Life

• Are you walking in the freedom Jesus offers—or stuck in a prison of sin or fear?

• What steps can you take today to walk away from what’s holding you back?

• Pray and ask Jesus to help you live in the full freedom He’s already given you.

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Full Transcript Below:

Christ Has Set Us Free

By Vivian Bricker

“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” (Galatians 5:1).

When we think of freedom, we normally think of America gaining independence from Britain. In America, this is what we celebrate on the Fourth of July—our independence. It is common for us to celebrate our independence and freedom on this day, yet most of us are still living in a prison we have constructed for ourselves. Despite the Lord having already set us free by blessing us with salvation, we are still living in a manmade prison. 

Whenever we are actively living in sin, we are building a prison around ourselves. Even if we might think we have everything “covered” or “controlled,” we really do not. We are never in control of sin—it is controlling us. This is why we must not become calloused to sin. Sin is sin, no matter what sin it might be.

Many people think certain sins are more severe than others, but all sins are equal. If we commit one sin, it is just as bad as committing all of them. This is because God does not treat sin lightly. There are consequences for our sins that will prevail in our lives. We might think we have everything under control, yet when things start turning sour, we can only blame ourselves. 

Sin is not good, and as Christians, we don't need to promote it. I have seen too many people turn away from God by engaging in a life of sin, and it only eats away at their hearts. Rather than continuing to live in a state of slavery to sin, we need to step out of the chains. The Lord has already set us free, and we need to continue to walk in this freedom.

Jesus’ Freedom

The Apostle Paul tells us, “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” (Galatians 5:1). As Paul says in this passage, Jesus has set us free. With this freedom, we need to stand firm and not allow ourselves to be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. The freedom the Lord has given us is eternal, constant, and steadfast. 

Instead of locking ourselves away in our own prisons, we need to step out into the light. In this light, we see Jesus and the freedom He died for us to possess. Freedom is never given for nothing. Rather, Jesus had to die for our sins in order for this freedom to come to us. With this in mind, we need to take hold of this freedom, turn away from sin, and bring glory to the Lord. Praise Him, thank Him, and walk in obedience to His Word. 

The more we do this, the more we will begin truly living in the freedom of Christ. Maybe we are not struggling with a specific sin right now, but we are dealing with fear. We don't need to let fear keeps us in prison, either. With the Lord’s freedom, we can step out of our prison of fear and walk in the confidence of the Lord. Jesus is always protecting us, and there is no reason to fear. 

No matter what you are being held a slave to today, give it over to Jesus. He has already given you freedom, and it is time to take it. The Lord loves us and wants us to live in the freedom of the abundant life He has given us. There is no time to continue to be a slave to sin, fear, or anything else. Jesus has set us free,, and this freedom will never be taken away.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Are you currently walking in the freedom of Jesus? Why or why not? 

Does the prison of sin, fear, or something else cause you to feel safer? If so, explain. 

What would it look like to remove yourself from your self-made prison?

“Dear Jesus, I've been living in a prison for too long. You have set me free, and I'm taking hold of it today. Whenever I start drifting back to my prison, please pull me toward You. Thank You for Your freedom, Lord. I know You went to great lengths to set me free. I praise You, Amen.”

Further Reading: 

• John 10:10
• 2 Peter 2:19
• John 8:36

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