The Path to True Freedom

Broadcast 4198

Listen to today's audio (with audio Bible): https://streamglobe.org/aud4198

Matthew 16:24 (NET): "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.'"

Colyn accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in high school. He knew that God had plans for him that were greater than anything he could imagine. However, he also recognized that the devil was his enemy, trying to pull him away from God’s purpose. Though Colyn wanted to walk in God’s will, certain sins remained strongholds in his life. He prayed, fasted, and tried various ways to overcome, but these struggles seemed to overpower his efforts.

When Colyn reconnected with his friend Dante, he was amazed. During their high school years, Dante was deep into substances and other vices. But now, Dante was free and thriving in his faith. Colyn, still battling his old habits, asked Dante how he found such freedom. Dante explained that he was properly discipled by a believer who loved him and committed to seeing him truly free. Colyn realized he had never fully understood discipleship, and he humbly asked Dante to guide him on this path.

Every believer is called to be a disciple, and discipleship is God’s way of transforming believers into saints. It’s also the primary mission of the local church. But to be a disciple, a person must be teachable, humble, and willing to live to please God rather than themselves. Jesus taught that discipleship requires self-denial, taking up one’s cross, and following Him. 

Taking up your cross in those days meant carrying your death sentence. The cross was used to execute criminals, and criminals were made to carry their cross to the point of their execution. Those who will be disciples of Christ must crucify their self-serving agenda and no longer live to please themselves. This means they must accept that life for them is no longer about pleasing themselves but about pleasing God. 

Go into today remembering that true freedom from the flesh is found on the path of the cross. Trust in God’s perfect plan and choose to deny yourself daily, knowing that His purposes for you far surpass anything you could plan on your own.

Prayer: Lord, give me the strength to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You wholeheartedly. I trust Your plan for my life. Amen.

—Abraham Damilola Arigi

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Bible In 1 Year: II Chronicles 6-10 (in today's audio)

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