“You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.” (1Corinthians 7:23 NIV84)

But I thought any human being who was bought was a slave! If we are “bought with a price,” how can we not be slaves to whomever purchased us? But Jesus, who bought us with His own precious blood, tells us, “if the Son has set you free, you are free indeed.” You are absolutely free through the redemptive price Jesus paid on the cross. You are no longer a slave to sin but have been set free to live as God has created you to live. You and I can, as born again Christians, live ever-transforming lives. This being the case, in our verse for today Paul says that we (as free beings) should not return to slavery to men by tying our lives to their principles and teachings.

Always remember this! False teachings will always bind the consciences of mankind. Teachers will rise up telling us that we must do this or do that in order to live faithful lives for God. It’s all a lie. Our enemy (Satan) does not want us living in the freedom of God’s grace. He does not want us to taste the sweetness of what true freedom offers. Jesus called him a thief, and it would be just like him to rob us of the greatest gift one could have — freedom. We need to remain free! But how do we do it? I have two suggestions: First, listen to Jesus! Second, only listen to men and women who sound like Jesus!

May we remain free!

Peace!

Pastor Tom