Freedom to Follow Jesus By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
1 Peter 2:9
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
Introduction
God has called His people to be a holy nation, a people set apart for His purposes. In 1 Peter 2:9, we see God's desire for His followers to live in His light, away from the darkness of sin and idolatry.
he journey of following Christ is one of freedom—freedom from the chains of sin, freedom from worldly distractions, and freedom to live according to God's will.
In this article, we will explore the essence of this freedom, how we can embrace it, and the scriptures that encourage us to walk boldly in His ways.
Living as a Holy People
God calls us to be a holy nation, a people who are set apart for Him. This means living differently from the world, rejecting idolatry, and pursuing a life of truth.
God desires that His people would be completely devoted to Him, forsaking all worldly distractions. In order to follow Christ, we must be willing to turn away from the idols of the world and pursue His righteous ways.
- Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 2:9
- “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…”
Victory Through Christ
In a world full of challenges, we often face struggles that seem overwhelming. However, God promises that we will not only survive but we will triumph over these trials through Him. Romans 8:37 reminds us that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. What may seem like failure in the eyes of the world is actually victory in God's eyes.
- Scripture Reference: Romans 8:37
- “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Even in moments of hardship, God provides us with the strength to endure. He equips us to stand firm, and it is in those moments of weakness that His power is made perfect.
We must look beyond the struggles of the present and fix our eyes on the victory that is in Christ.
God Provides Our Needs
Many times, we may find ourselves worrying about the future—what we will eat, what we will wear, and whether our needs will be met.
Yet, God promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.
Philippians 4:19 assures us that He is aware of our needs and is faithful to provide. It is not about what we want, but about what we truly need for our growth and development in Him.
- Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:19
- “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
The True Shepherd: Jesus
Jesus came not for the righteous but for the lost. He desires to give us life—abundant life—beyond our understanding. In John 10:10, Jesus says that He has come to give us life in abundance, not just for our survival but for our thriving.
This life is a life of freedom: freedom from fear, freedom from sin, and freedom from the tyranny of the world.
- Scripture Reference: John 10:10
- “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
The Spirit of the Lord: Empowering Us to Follow
In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus declared that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him to preach the good news, to heal the brokenhearted, to deliver captives, and to set the oppressed free.
As believers, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry on this mission.
Just as Jesus healed and set the captives free, we too are called to walk in His footsteps and live as free people, liberated from the bondage of sin and death.
- Scripture Reference: Luke 4:18-19
- “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives…”
Do Not Fear Man
In Isaiah 41:10, God encourages us not to fear the opposition or the criticisms of man. He is with us, and He will strengthen and uphold us.
While the world may mock and ridicule us for following Jesus, we must remember that their opinions do not define us. God has chosen us, and His opinion is the one that matters.
- Scripture Reference: Isaiah 41:10
- “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Conclusion
The call to follow Jesus is a call to freedom. It is a freedom from sin, from fear, from worldly distractions, and a freedom to live fully for God.
As we walk in the light, we embrace the truth of who we are in Christ—His chosen people, called to live for His glory.
Let us stand firm in the faith, trusting that He will provide for our needs, empower us to live out His mission, and deliver us from all evil.
As we live boldly for Christ, we will see the world around us transformed by the power of His love and truth.
May we boldly proclaim His praises and walk in the freedom He has given us, as we continue to follow Him with all our hearts.
