5 Ways Freedom in Jesus Helps You Really Live a Triumphant Life ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba %

The book of the Colossians moved quickly. In the first chapter the Glorious Attributes of Jesus Christ and His Power were expounded. Chapter 2 began with a defense of the truth of the gospel message with a caution not to be deceived by lies. Then it turned to a discussion of our freedom in Jesus Christ as true believers. Chapter 3 began urging us to remember our new position in Christ-dead to sin with a new life hidden in Him. The Holy Spirit indwells us and Jesus cloaked us in His righteousness. Therefore, we are equipped to really live a triumphant Life in Jesus due to the freedom. Let us first look at 5 ways that Freedom in Jesus helps us live a triumphant life. Then, what does that look like. Finally how does that transform everything.

Often, we think of freedom as being “uninhibited”. But that is a false concept of true freedom. True freedom is to live with peace, aspirations, and joy. Without fear. That is the kind of freedom we have in Jesus. So, what are the 5 ways we have freedom?

We are unchained from our sin nature. Dead to it with power to live to Jesus.

No fear of God’s wrath. Our future secure in Jesus Christ.

Ascertained that for that reason, ALL things work together for our good. He is Sovereign and Jesus Christ is over all things

We know our future is secure—our aspirations are to go to be with Him forever.

Knowing Him is fullness of joy, no matter what else happens.

That is dynamic power to therefore live as His elect. Well, that is if you truly believe and remember who you really are as we studied in Ephesians.

A Triumphant Life

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering Colossians 3:12 NKJV

Notice Paul writes: “Because of everything I have said before this, put on.” It is like putting on your clothing before leaving for work. Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Not really part of our fleshly nature. Cover all that impatience, desire for pride, self-absorption, and the desire for protecting self with hostility. Like when some driver is going way to fast, riding the tail of my car and honks. Immediate response: honk back after pulling over and they are passing. Anger rising in my chest. Ok just tore my garment for a moment and need repair. Repent quickly, think of a scripture if possible, and thank God for His protection. At least the other driver did not stop to hit me or shoot me. Still next time, hopefully I don’t tear my cloak of righteousness even for a second.

What else does a triumphant life do?

bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3: 13-14 NKJV

Another item we need to remember to put on. How do we do this? Take the time to read the Bible and pray before leaving for the day. Urgently important. If time running short can at least read a few verses. Or another good thing in addition to this that I do and some who are so busy do instead is: https://series.theworshipinitiative.com/series/daily-devo This is free, go and sign up for a daily text each morning Monday through Friday where they pray with you, give a brief devotional discusssion, read scripture, and sing a song for the day. This you can even listen to in your car. I recommend both private devotional and this, but if no time this starts your day well.

Furthermore, the Bible says to study day and night. In the evening you can study your Bible and pray then. Or almost every evening I do a brief live Bible Study on Facebook live at 7 pm. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. You are welcome to join me there.

What Happens if We are Properly Dressed each Day?

Well…The Triumphant Life follows naturally. Once dressed properly the “elements of life” cannot harm you. You have the Holy Spirit in you, Jesus Christ surrounding you with His cloak of riches, and freedom from the power of sin. With all that, effortlessly, you gain peace, joy, hope, and your aspirations soar. Those activities do not change the truth of who you are. They help you “remember who you are.” Remember is found 172 times in the Bible, Fear Not and Do not be Afraid 141 times, and faith 245 times in the New Testament (2 times in Old.” This according to Google Search, did not count them myself. Just to give you an idea of the importance of remembering who God is, who you are in Him, and what He has done for you.

That should keep you a bit humble when you remember, everything He has done for you is due to Grace and is undeserved. Once you know that fact for certain, everything changes. No longer does life frustrate you.

And Then What Results

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:15-17 NKJV

Thankfulness is a huge part of this. Why? It is what you have when you truly understand that you were chosen by no merit of your own. You could not even pat yourself on the back saying, “I chose Him.” We could not have had He not chosen us first. A very costly lesson during my life. The harder I tried to make Him proud of me, the more I failed. Not until I become fully undone, recognizing I had nothing to bring to the table. Only then could He use me. When I became nothing, only then could He fill me. Emptied of me, He shines. Unfortunately, it is necessary I remember everyday, pray unceasingly, and study His word. Then with a song in my heart sing praises to Him. Otherwise, I forget quickly who I really am.

And Because of our Freedom in Jesus, and our Triumphant life

Once filled with kindness, gentleness, humility, and love it becomes easy to live as we should. That makes the following verses doable. Which in turn transforms our lives even further as we see the blessing from this. God is a God of relationships.

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Colossians 3: 18-21 NKJV

Also, when we recognize the Sovereignty of God plus the truth that we were loved undeservedly, we can also do the following:

Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. Colossians 3:22-25 NKJV

When we fail to remember the truth, we tend to believe, “I don’t deserve to be treated that way.” But truth be told, in the scheme of things, we probably deserve a lot worse. And before a Holy God, what do we deserve? Death! So, maybe if we stop and remember how much we have been forgiven, we can be a little more forgiving. Also, consider those hard to deal with people. God put them there, so He did so with a reason to benefit you.

And you who are bosses, remember this:

Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1 NKJV

So, what Does the Freedom in Jesus allow us to do? Live a Life Triumphant.

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Colossians 4:2-4 NKJV

In addition to praying for self, pray for the kingdom. When we stop only praying for ourselves our and focus on the lost, the missionaries, the dying; suddenly our things become more trivial.

Finally,

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossian 4:5-6

How much time in my life have I spent too much time and energy on things of me. I feel such an urgency at spreading the gospel in every possible way. Redeeming the time is a thought caught in my head, circling a lot lately. To redeem the time, I must be focused on His work. Time is running very short.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Amazing Truth: In Jesus We have Freedom, Joy, and Eternal Life

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR. Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Common English Bible (CEB)

Picture licensed from Goodsalt.com